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Okra is an economically important vegetable crop grown on a wide range of soil types in tropical Africa as well as in other parts of the world. Okra cultivation has been widely practiced in Nigeria owing to its importance as a food crop. Okra yield is mostly limited by soil fertility, cultural management, pests, and diseases. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the incidence and severity of okra mosaic virus (okmv) on three fieldgrown cultivars of okra which are NHe-4, LDu-88, and V35. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The disease was investigated among the three cultivars under natural field conditions in two planting seasons. The incidence of infection was taken by visual observation of symptoms and the severity of the virus using a scale of 1-5. The result showed that the cultivars were susceptible to okra mosaic virus (Okmv). The highest viral incidence and higher disease severity were on cultivar V35, which resulted in the lowest yield among other cultivars observed. The prevailing vector of okmv in the study area was Podagrica spp., which indicated that okmv had significant effects on okra growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the profitability of vegetable farming during and after the Covid-19 lockdown in Southwest Nigeria. It specifically addressed the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, the estimated cost, and the returns of vegetable production both during and after the COVID-19 lockdown determined the factors influencing production of vegetables. A Multistage random sampling was employed in the study. The first stage was a random selection of three (3) States from the six (6) States in South West, Nigeria. Three (3) Local Government Areas were randomly chosen from each selected State. Two (2) communities were sampled randomly from each of the Local Government Areas selected and random sampling of fifteen (15) farmers from each community, giving a total of 270 respondents. Descriptive statistics, Budgetary analysis and Ordinary least squares (OLS) Regression Analysis were applied to data collected. The result showed that majority (41.9%) of respondents were in the active age with the mean age of 42 years. Majority (67%) of the respondents were male with household size ranging between 4 and 6 persons. About (64.1%) were married with an average year of farming experience of 31 years. The profitability analysis revealed the net farm income realized during and after COVID-19 was N124,393.9 and N258,587.3 per hectare, respectively. According to the calculation of the gross margin, the value per hectare during and after COVID-19 was N146,219.8 and N270,374.4, respectively. During and after COVID-19, the Benefit Cost Ratio was 2.85 and 4.6 which indicate that for every one naira spent, ₦2.85 and ₦4.6 will be realized as revenue respectively, implying that vegetable production is profitable in the study area. Results of the regression(OLS) analysis showed the basic variables that significantly influenced profit generation during COVID-19 scenario are quantity of vegetable output, gender of the farmer, farmers year experience and cost of labour while variables that influenced profitability after COVID-19 are quantity of vegetable output, gender of the farmer, marital status, household size and access to credit. The study also revealed the major farmers' perception about COVID-19 as it disrupted Supply chain of vegetables, caused harvest losses for vegetable farmers, reduced vegetable farmers' income during the lockdown and income reduction was ranked 1st among various perceptions observed. The study found that as the age of vegetable farmers increases, their profit decreases across all production scenarios, a policy that focuses on ways to attract and encourage young people who are agile and strong to start growing vegetables will help to boost technical efficiency and their income. Education should also be encouraged among vegetable farmers in the study area since the study revealed that education will enable them to adopt new technologies that will make them to have more profit from their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to analyze awareness and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic vegetables among households in Anambra State, Nigeria. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, and Contingent Valuation Method. One hundred and forty (140) respondents were utilized for the study but with a valid response rate of 85.7 percent to give one hundred and twenty (120) respondents sampled from the study area using multistage sampling procedure. Data used for the research was obtained with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. The most commonly consumed vegetables were pumpkin (59.17%), garden egg (28.33%), cucumber (8.33%) and amaranth (4.17%). The respondents were aware (95.83%) of the health benefits of organic vegetables and also aware (71.7%) of environmental effects of using inorganic fertilizer for vegetable production. In the WTP for organic vegetables, it was observed that 21.7% of the respondents were not WTP for organic garden egg, while 78.3% of the respondents were WTP a premium for a kg of organic garden egg. About 8.3% of the respondents were not WTP for organic pumpkin while 91.7% of them were WTP a premium for organic pumpkin. The analysis showed that in households WTP for organic garden egg, factors such as age, health, education, and awareness were significant, while WTP an amount was also significantly influenced by the same set of variables. Also, while willingness to pay for organic pumpkin was significantly influenced by health, education and awareness, WTP an amount was significantly influenced by health, education and awareness. There is need for public awareness by the media and organic Non-Government Organizations to create more programmes that will educate consumers on the health and environmental advantages of organic farming and consumption patterns over conventional practices. With this, more consumers will be willing to pay a premium for organic vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associated gas flaring has several consequences on the environment. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of gas flaring on soil enzymes and plant antioxidant activities from gas flare-bearing communities in Nigeria. Soil and plant samples were obtained from farmlands in Ukwa West and Izombe gas flaring sites, as well as unpolluted site from Olokoro (used as control). The level of activities of soil urease, dehydrogenase, phosphatases, plant antioxidant enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of selected plants (Gnetum africanum [GA], Piper guineense [PG], Gongronema latifolium [GL], Pterocarpus mildbraedii [PM]) were evaluated using standard methods. The results showed that the activities of urease were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in soil from Ukwa site than Izombe and the control soil. Dehydrogenase (DHA) and phosphatases recorded higher activities (P < 0.05) for Izombe soil than in Ukwa compared with the control. For plants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) recorded a significant (P < 0.05) higher activities in all the plants assayed from Ukwa site than Izombe and the control site. The activities of GPx from GA and PG plants at Izombe site were not significant (P > 0.05) when compared with the control, except for PM and GL which recorded a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in GPX and SOD activities, respectively. The activities of catalase enzyme also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all plants grown at Ukwa, while an increase was seen for GA and PM grown at Izombe compared with control. The overall variability in enzymes activities is an indication that soil ecosystem and plants are altered significantly by the stress load from the gas flaring pollutants which could serve as bio-indicators for assessing ecological risks and bioremediation. [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]

Simple Summary: Vegetable crops are grown in Nigeria for their edible fruits, leaves, and succulent shoots and roots. The vegetables include okra, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cucumbers, green amaranth, carrots and onions. Insect pest infestations and damages to these crops can greatly limit their availability for human consumption if unchecked. The insect pests include foliage beetles, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, stink bugs, and grasshoppers. Vegetable growers have many different chemical and non-chemical methods that can be used to mitigate insect damage to vegetable crops including the application of synthetic insecticides, modification of cultural practices, use of resistant varieties, application of botanicals and conservation practices for natural enemies of the insect pests, and these are presented in this review. By combining as many pest management tools as practicable, the insect pest problems of vegetables in Nigeria can be reasonably managed in a sustainable manner. Insect pest infestations and damage can limit the production of vegetables in the farming systems in Nigeria. This review looks at integrated insect pest management as a possible panacea for resolving insect pest issues in vegetable crops. The main vegetable crops which include okra, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cucumbers, green amaranth, carrots and onions are highlighted. The major insect pests of the various vegetables which include foliage beetles, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, stink bugs, and grasshoppers are also mentioned. The various control measures that have been empirically verified for the mitigation of the impact of these insect pests, including the application of synthetic insecticides, modification of agronomic practices, use of resistant varieties, application of botanicals, biological and mechanical controls, are discussed. Studies which have been carried out attempting to integrate two or more of the control strategies for better insect pest control are also reviewed. Strategies that can be put in place for the integrated pest management of vegetable insect pests in Nigeria are considered. Among the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices instituted for the mitigation of pest infestations on vegetable crops in Nigeria, intercropping of suitable vegetables in combination with the application of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense seeds under good farm hygiene and sanitation proved to be most successful. [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]

Jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important vegetable grown in most part of subsaharan Africa and classified as Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS). But insect pests are serious hindrance to its production. The present research was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State in the growing season of 2017 - 2018. The research aimed at evaluating the efficacy of three plant materials (alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta K. Schum,), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and neem seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) for the control of Acraea terpsicore (L.) (Leaf worm) on jute mallow. The plant materials were grounded separately into powder and weighed into 100g per litre of water. A day to spraying, the materials were soaked in water separately for 24hours and thereafter sieved with a muslin cloth and further filtered with Whatman filter paper to remove all fine particles. The extracts were then transferred in to the sprayer for onward spraying of the plant. Before spraying, the number of leafworms were counted, the count was repeated a day after spraying. The spraying was done at 3days interval. The numbers of damaged leaves were also counted at 4, 6 and 8 week after planting (WAP). At the end of the research, neem seed extract caused significantly highest mortality after each spray and the least number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP, followed by black pepper. But contrarily, alligator pepper, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the leaf worm. The control presents the highest number of leaf worms and highest number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP. Conclusively, with further research, neem seed extracts can be encouraged to be used in the control of vegetable insect pests as this is cheaper than synthetic pesticides and not toxic to man and his environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a nutrient-rich economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Okra is one of the horticultural mandate crops of the National Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria. It is an under-studied crop in terms of genetic improvement in Nigeria. In response to farmers' demand for improved varieties, the institute commenced efforts in developing novel okra varieties. However, a successful and sustainable crop improvement program depends on the identification of market-driven demands and the availability of variation in the crop germplasm. In view of the above, this research began with an appraisal study to assess the current situation of okra production and to identify farmers' preferred traits for establishing breeding priorities. According to the results of the participatory rural appraisal, some of the important constraints affecting okra productivity are lack of improved varieties, diseases, pests, and drought. The quest to assess variability in the collected okra accessions and select superior varieties with farmers' preferred traits, fifty (50) okra accessions were evaluated in the field for 3 consecutive years (2019–2021) using a 5 × 10 α-lattice incomplete block design with three replications. The ANOVA revealed high significant variation (p < 0.001) in the number of days to first flower, pod length, and pod girth. The variability observed among the accessions will be useful in the selection of potential parents required for hybridization and generation of progenies with desirable traits for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cities of developing countries experience widespread poverty due to accelerated migration of people from rural to urban areas as well as high population growth rates. The city of Jos in Plateau State is experiencing rapid population growth as well, with the attendant problems of food insecurity, insufficient income, unemployment and environmental degradation. This study assessed the role that urban vegetable production plays in providing a source of livelihood to small-scale farmers in Jos. The farmers were registered with the third Fadama Project in Nigeria. Such projects derive their name from the native Hausa word 'fadama' which means irrigable lands on floodprone and low-lying plains. Forty percent (40%) of urban vegetable farmers were randomly selected to have a sample size of 94 participants. A mixed method approach was used and this involved questionnaire-administered interviews. The primary data obtained were transcribed and subjected to ANOVA and t-test analysis. From the results obtained, most of the vegetables farm plots are located predominantly in the southern part of the study area. Results indicated that vegetable farming is playing an important role in providing 84% part-time and 5% full-time employment opportunities as well as reducing food insecurity among the study participants. In addition, most farmers achieved an income of more than the minimum wage of N30, 000 (US$ 72. 24) as approved by the Nigerian Government. The results also showed that lack of credit facilities, seasonal variations and the high cost of farm inputs and equipment are the most serious problems faced by participants. Other challenges associated with smallscale urban farming entailed the negative environmental impacts that may lead to the decline of environmental quality, thus undermining long term sustainability. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences among participants in terms of the relationship between the type of vegetables they produce, incomes generated, environmental impacts and their demographical attributes. These attributes are the age, gender, marital status, and educational background of participants. Based on these findings, and the socio-economic importance of vegetable farming in this study area, governments and financial institutions should establish better policies in order to solve the problems faced by small-scale vegetable farmers in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L) is an underutilized vegetable mostly grown by smallholder farmers whose technical efficiency for this emerging crop is not well known. It is necessary that empirical evidence be developed on technical efficiency to optimize its production and promotion. The study estimated technical efficiency, and sources of technical inefficiency, among smallholder producers of moringa. A total of 360 growers were randomly selected from Osun and Oyo States. A stochastic production frontier model was employed, while correcting for heteroscedasticity in stochastic and inefficiency error terms. There was increasing return-to-scale and farmer average technical efficiency of about 82%. Fertilizer, seed, and labor were production-increasing variables; farm size decreased output of M. oleifera. Sources of farmer technical inefficiency were age, education level, and farmer experience. Formal skills development training could help improve technical and managerial capacities of farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to investigate the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes and the effects of fadama fields and upland fields on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. A total of 84 soil samples were collected from seven Local Government Areas visited in Osun State. Soil samples were collected from two fadama fields and two upland fields in all the LGAs visited. Nematodes were extracted, counted and identified under a compound microscope according to the morphological characteristics of the nematodes. The results showed that sixteen genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were found associated with Solanum macrocarpon, Amaranthus cruentus and Telfairia occidentalis. Meloidogyne\ Helicotylenchus and Rotylenchulus were the most abundant nematodes associated with the vegetables. Fadama fields significantly had lower populations of plant-parasitic nematodes and higher populations of free-living nematodes in comparison with upland fields in fields sown to the vegetables. Farmers are advised to take full advantage of fadama fields in vegetable production. [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]

This study assessed the perception of farmers on the contribution of vegetables to livelihoods in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study identified the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area, perception of the contribution of vegetables to livelihoods and identified the factors affecting vegetable farming in the study area. Multi-stage sampling techniques were adopted in selecting 126 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency, mean and ranks. The result of the study showed that majority (75.4%) of the respondents were females. Most of the farmers (41.3%) were aged between 36 and 45 years. Some (44.4%) were involved in the cultivation of only vegetables and had farm holdings of 1-2 hectares. Majority had monthly income of N71,000.00 to N90,000.00. The result of the type of vegetables grown by the respondents revealed that fluted pumpkin ranked 1st (x=2.68) while Utazi ranked 9th (x=1.93). Also the result of the perception of farmers on the contribution of vegetables to livelihoods of farmers showed that vegetables contributed to the income of respondents for training as fashion designers in the study area and were generally excellent. Factors affecting contribution of vegetables to livelihoods were inadequate land, inadequate finance, pests and diseases among others. Vegetables, therefore played a very important role in the livelihoods of farmers in the study area. The study concluded that vegetables are necessary for the improvement of livelihoods of farmers in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many indigenous vegetables are generally underutilized across different cultures, but they remain alternatives to exotic vegetables that often are expensive. This study investigated effects of participation in indigenous vegetable production on livelihood of farmers. Multistaged sampling was used to collect data from 222 vegetable farmers sampled from using a semi-structured questionnaire. Principal component analysis and endogenous switching regression (ESR) were employed for analysis. The ESR accounted for heterogeneity in the decision to participate or not, and for unobservable characteristics of farmers and their farms. Principal component analysis indicated 44.44% of respondents are low-level participants in production of indigenous vegetables (<4). Participation in the Nigeria–Canada vegetable project (NiCanVeg) increased household income; however, the impact of participation on income was smaller for households that participated, than those that did not. The impact of the NiCanVeg project on livelihood of participants was negative. For a project to have positive significant effects on livelihood, household characteristics of participants should be considered in its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the wake of deepened situations of changing climate, a clear understanding of the perceived impacts and adaptation of climate variability and change on livelihoods of vegetable farmers in Western and Eastern Africa, which is not readily available, is critical for sustainable vegetable production in Africa. Development planning for climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment was utilised in the study. Using multi-stage sampling procedure, 193 vegetable farmers in selected sites prominent for vegetable production from Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and linear regression at α0.05. Awareness of climate variability and change was high among most respondents from the three countries, but highest among respondents from Uganda (78.3%). Awareness was highest for long dry spell ( x ¯ = 1.90) and drought ( x ¯ = 1.81) and lowest for harmful gas emissions ( x ¯ = 0.76). Changes in climate variability and trends were perceived to be highest in terms of flood volume/damage caused by flood to farmlands in Nigeria ( x ¯ = 3.85) and Uganda ( x ¯ = 5.0), but in terms of increased temperature for Ghana ( x ¯ = 4.93). Impact of climate-related changes on vegetable farming was high in Ghana (98.3%) and Nigeria (46.6%) but low in Uganda (5.0%). Awareness (β = 0.14), perception (β = 0.15) use of adaptation strategies (β = 0.10) and household size (β = − 0.19) predicted change in perceived impact of climate variability among vegetable farmers. Vegetable farmers in Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda are affected differently by climate variability. Farmers in these countries also have different priorities for adaptation strategies. Locality-specific climate adaptation strategies would help ease farmers burden due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we assessed the determinants of lack of credit access among the Indigenous Vegetables (IVs) farmers based on primary data collected in a cross-sectional survey. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis, the results revealed that more females were involved in the indigenous vegetable production with average age of 40 years, seven household members, eight years of formal education and cultivating 0.76 acre of land. Only 8 % had access to credit and 76 % did not have contact with extension agents. The mean monthly income from indigenous vegetables production, off-farm income and savings were about ₦35,000 (US$96.83), ₦15,000 (US$42.12) and ₦13,000 (US$38.57), respectively. Further, lack of credit access significantly depended on gender (β = 0.15, P < 0.05), educational level (β = 0.11; P < 0.05), farming experience (β = 0.73; P < 0.05), off-farm income (β = 0.23, P < 0.05), saving habits (β = 0. 25; P < 0.01) and annual numbers of extension contact (β = 0.94, P < 0.01) of indigenous vegetable farmers. Therefore, improved access to formal education, extension supports, creation of gender-specific credit scheme and farm-based organisation (FBO) for indigenous vegetables farmers to sustain credit accessibility were advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Copyright of Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Journal of Agricultural Sciences (YYU J Agr Sci) is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Mansf.) is an important vegetable crop grown for edible seeds and oil in West Africa. Leaf Blight Disease (LBD) is one of the major constraints to its production, with potential to cause economic damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and distribution of leaf blight on Egusi melon in Southwestern Nigeria. A survey of LBD of Egusi melon was conducted in 2015 and 2016, in five southwestern States of Nigeria (Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States). Twenty plants each, were randomly sampled from 150 farms comprising 30 farms each, from each State. The distribution of different Egusi melon varieties planted was recorded. "Bara" cv. was the most cultivated variety (51.6%); followed by "Bojuri" (30.4%) and "Serewe" (18%). Leaf blight was observed in most farms in the five States, from 73% in Osun and Oyo states to 83% in Ondo State. Disease incidence and severity varied with locations and cultivars, and ranged from 0.0-87.5±18% and 1.0±0-4.5±0.8 in Osun State to 20.0±19 - 95.0±4.5% and 2.3±1.5 - 5.0±0 in Ondo State. Out of the twelve fungal pathogens from ten genera isolated from infected plants, only Colletotrichum truncatum, C. gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae caused Leaf blight on Egusi melon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the energy use for vegetable production under Fadama in north central Nigeria with a view to assess the likelihood of the production system contributing to climate change. The data for the production of two major vegetables produced under Fadama (Onion, and Tomato) were collected from 200 Fadama farmers using a questionnaire. The results show that Tomato production was the most energy intensive among the two vegetables investigated. For all the vegetables, the usage of non-renewable energy inputs especially fossil fuels such as petrol and urea fertilizer was quite substantial and accounted for about 41.71 and 40.62% respectively of the total energy inputs used for vegetable production. The energy use efficiency and energy productivity was very low. The energy use efficiency was, 0.20 and 0.10 while the energy productivity was 0.25 and 0.12 for Onion and Tomato respectively. The study concluded that the Fadama production system contributes to global carbon emission which in the long run leads to climate change. The study recommends the development of fuel efficient water pumps for irrigating Fadama lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field study was conducted between January and June 2011 to determine the plant-parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes associated with three indigenous leafy vegetables (Amaranthus viridis, Celosia argenteaandCorchorus olitorius) commonly grown in inland valley by farm practical year students’ trainees at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The 1.76-ha land was laid out in randomised complete block design with four replicates. Six soil cores were taken per replicate and bulked. Two sub-samples weighing 250 g per replicate were assayed for nematodes using WhiteHead and Hemming Tray method. Results revealed the presence of five genera of plant-parasitic nematodes, namelyTylenchus, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, MeloidogyneandRotylenchulus. Populations ofTylenchusdiffered statistically (p = 0.05) from all others inC. olitorius. The non-parasitic nematodes varied significantly (p = 0.05) among the vegetable types. Galls incited byMeloidogynespp. were more (p = 0.05) inC.argenteaandC.olitoriusthanA.viridis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The onion is the most important vegetable crop grown in Niger. Annual production is estimated at 561,000 tons, ranking the country at the second place of onion producers of the West Africa behind Nigeria. A collection of local cultivars of onion of Niger was conducted in 2008. This survey was followed by a study of their interaction with the agro-climatic factors. Conventional methods of collection of plant material (mentioning of the location of collection sites on the map, identification and description of samples, history of ecotypes, growing conditions, etc.) were used. The varietal aspect of different collection was highlighted. Twenty-one local ecotypes including the «Violet de Galmi» were collected. The results also revealed interaction between some varietal characteristics such as bulb color, life cycle and agro-climatic and geomorphological factors of the collection sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal fractionation provides information on mobility and stability of various metal species which can be used to evaluate the movement of such metals in soils. The effect of wastewater irrigation on the fractions, spatial distribution, and mobility of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) was investigated in five urban gardens in Kano, Nigeria. Concentration of total Zn in the surface soils (0-20 cm) ranged from 121 to 207 mg kg while Cd concentration was 0.3-2.0 mg kg. Speciation of both heavy metals into seven operationally defined fractions indicated that the most reactive forms extracted with ammonium nitrate and ammonium acetate, also considered as the bioavailable fractions, accounted for 29-42% of total Cd and 22-54% of total Zn, respectively. The weakly bound fractions of Cd and Zn reached up to 50% of the total Cd and Zn concentrations in the soils. Such high proportions of labile Cd and Zn fractions are indicative of anthropogenic origins, arising from the application of wastewater for irrigation and municipal biosolids for soil fertility improvement. Thus, given the predominance of sandy soil textures, high concentrations of labile Cd and Zn in these garden soils represent a potential hazard for the redistribution and translocation of these metals into the food chain and aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected the supply of perishable foods such as vegetables, which could adversely affect food and nutrition security. Here, we study the mechanisms by which COVID-19 has affected vegetable production and the coping strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. We use cross-sectional data collected through individual interviews on a random sample of 521 vegetable producers in north-western Nigeria. The perceptions of respondents, measured on a 5-point Likert scale (from 1—not affected, to 5—severely affected), shows that COVID-19 had an average effect of 3.07 (±1.23) on vegetable production. Farmers also reported challenges in accessing farm inputs and storing or selling fresh vegetable produced. In response, farmers reduced market-oriented vegetable production, produced more vegetables for own consumption, added value through own home processing and storage, explored new markets, and accepted lower farmgate selling prices. A multivariate probit regression shows that socio-economic factors such as age, household size, marital status, challenges in accessing inputs, and perceptions of the effects of COVID-19 influenced farmers' decisions to adopt particular coping strategies. To sustain vegetable supplies, policy makers should consider investing more in market-oriented strategies such as vegetable processing and storage, which individual farmers may not be able to afford due to high costs, lack of information and required knowledge on good agronomic practices, postharvest handling, storage and market. Public extension services can contribute to help farmers to adapt better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]