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Man, in a desperate bid to manage malaria-vectors, i.e., Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) has relentlessly relied on pyrethroid insecticides especially permethrin. Unfortunately, these mosquitoes have improved their survival with respect to this tactic which must have been associated with some fitness-costs. This study, therefore, evaluates the biological fitness-costs associated with permethrin-resistance development in An. gambiae s.l. in Kwara State, Nigeria. Susceptibility statuses of adult female An. gambiae s.l. populations collected from Oke-odo, Pipeline and Airport were established using World Health Organization Protocol. They were subsequently raised over three-generations and the fecundity, hatchability, development time for larvae, pupae and adult, adult emergence, the adult sex ratio was observed, noted, monitored and analysed using ANOVA (P

Bemisia tabaci is a species complex of at least 44 cryptic species with a worldwide distribution. It is a serious pest of many crop plants as well as a successful vector of at least 100 begomoviruses. Using B. tabaci collected from cassava and tomato fields in the southwestern and north central regions of Nigeria, we determined nucleotide sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of 23 B. tabaci samples, the 16S and 23S ribosomal DNA of endosymbionts, and the coat protein gene of geminiviruses ingested by the whiteflies. The COI analysis identified three different genetic groups including the indigenous Sub-Saharan Africa 1 subgroup 1 (SSA1-SG1) and 5 (SSA1-SG5, which was most prevalent), and an invasive cryptic species (Mediterranean). SSA1 was infected by five known secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia, and co-infections with two or three endosymbionts were common. Five begomoviruses, okra enation leaf curl virus, squash leaf curl China virus, tobacco curly shoot virus, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus, and tomato yellow leaf curl virus, were detected from 43.5% of the B. tabaci samples. However, cassava mosaic disease that causes devastating cassava yield losses was not detected in this study. This study improves the current understanding of the genetic diversity of B. tabaci cryptic species, and it reveals their relationships with endosymbionts and geminiviruses in the cassava and tomato fields of Nigeria.

The pallid emperor moth, Cirina forda, is a prominent edible insect in Niger State but currently at great risk of extinction. The incidence, abundance and distribution of Cirina forda, was investigated for four consecutive seasons, i.e. May-June 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 to ascertain the effect of the depletion of its host plant, Shea butter trees, Vitellaria paradoxa. in Niger State, Nigeria. C. forda egg clusters located on the host plants were enumerated to ascertain the seasonal abundance by visual counting using hand lenses and binoculars (MARCO-model 750/8 m-988000 m). At each location, 100m2 land area in which three 10m2 portions were mapped as replicate sites, were investigated for host plant density, egg cluster abundance and distribution within three host plant canopy height ranges. The 41 locations in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) where C. forda occurred in Niger State in 2010 were investigated. The result indicated the GPS of each of the locations and showed that Niger state had a very rich but fast dwindling population of V. paradoxa. C. forda egg cluster abundance across the six LGAs showed Niger state as highly endowed but ephemeral and highly unpredictable, especially in terms of location where they occurred. The egg cluster abundance reduced drastically from 58.1± 12.1 and 56.1±24.1 egg cluster/host plant in 2010 and 2011, respectively to 41.3 ± 8.3 and 29.7 ±5.1 egg cluster/host plant in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons, respectively. Locational similarities were observed in the trends of C. forda host plant density reduction and egg cluster abundance over the four cropping seasons and these were corroborated across the State. The decreasing densities of Shea butter trees was identified as posing serious threats to egg laying by C. forda. The possibility of the extinction of C. forda was identified as imminent and a conservation approach that stems the indiscriminate destruction of host tree, V. paradoxa (Shea butter trees) was proposed.

Studies profiling community and zonal malaria entomological risk indices are required to identify high risk areas where targeted control resources are most needed or likely to have the greatest impact on reducing risk of malaria infection. This study presents a first report on malaria vector risk indices in two vegetation zones within Adamawa state, Nigeria. Endophilic mosquitoes were collected for one year in selected communities in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones within the State. Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoite and human blood meal ELISA assays were carried out on the female Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Sibling species composition of the An. gambiae complex were determined using PCR assays. Mean numbers of mosquitoes in the Guinea savanna communities were significantly (t = 7.73, DF = 11, p < 0.001) higher than the Sudan. Man-biting rates (F = 2.76, p = 0.13) of Anopheles mosquitoes were higher in the Guinea but not significantly different from Sudan savanna. Sporozoite rates of mosquitoes within the Guinea savanna were 2.7 times higher than the Sudan. The predominant Anopheles coluzzii species encountered in the state had higher overall human blood indices (0.63) and sporozoite rates (6.9%) compared to An. gambiae (0.39, 1.9%) and An. arabiensis (0.58, 2.3%) respectively. Overall annual human blood indices (0.59) of mosquitoes in Adamawa were lower compared to reports from other States. Prevalence and higher transmission risks indices of endophilic An. coluzzii mosquitoes reveal the need for LLIN and management of relatively permanent An. coluzzii breeding sites in the State. Widespread cattle rearing lifestyle and lower human blood indices of mosquitoes in the study area suggest the need to investigate cattle blood indices of the mosquitoes in the state. Higher entomological risk indices in the Guinea Savanna zone provide baseline information for prioritization of malaria vector control supplies within the State.

Malaria is a leading public health challenge causing mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Prominent malaria vector control methods employed in sub-Saharan Africa include Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual spraying (IRS). This study investigated knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of malaria vector control methods in Lagos, South-West Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross-sectional survey which was carried out between May and August 2018. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select Lagos Mainland, Kosofe, and Ojo local government areas (LGAs). Five hundred and twenty questionnaires were used for the study. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, whereas χ 2 was used to determine influence of respondents’ LGA, level of education and type of dwelling on respondents’ attitude and practice. Respondents’ LGAs have no significant impact on attitude and practice to malaria vector control methods. However, ‘level of education’ as well as ‘type of dwelling structure’ impacted significantly on some practices and attitude. Basically, IRS is the major tool employed in malaria vector control, but sometimes it is used in combination with other methods. A good number of residents also use LLINs. ‘Choice of method’ employed is mainly based on the effectiveness of method. General perception about LLINs and IRS is that they are effective, cheap and safer. Considering the widespread use of IRS and LLINs for malaria vector control in Lagos, implementation of malaria control programs should consider KAP to these two strategies.

Infestation of domestic animals with ticks constitutes both a major health and economic problem in livestock production. The study was conducted to identify the species of ticks infesting domestic animals such as cattle, sheep and goats in Mubi cattle market, Adamawa State. Ten (10) each of cattle, sheep and goat were randomly selected at Mubi Cattle Market at every collection date, and were examined for tick infestation. Ticks were collected from different predilection sites. Ticks collected were transferred to Safe-Lock Eppendorf tubes containing 70% ethanol. The specimens were identified to species level using hand lens and dissecting microscope. A total of 232 adult ticks (17 male, 215 females) were collected. 8 species of ticks were identified across three genera namely Ripicephalus microplus (79.74%) was the most prevalent, followed by Ripicephalus decoloratus (9.05%), Amblyomma variegatum (4.31%), Rhipicephalus simus (3.02%), Hyalomma dromedarii (2.16%), Amblyomma habraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (0.86%), respectively, and the least was Hyalomma truncatum (0.43%). Cattle were the most heavily infested (44.8%), followed by sheep (33.6%) and goat (21.6%). The study revealed that livestock in Mubi were infested by varieties of ticks especially Ripicephalus microplus which was the highest and found on all the animals examined.

The study was set up to characterize upland soils of Koko/Besse Local Government Area in North western Nigeria for sustainable intensification of cropped land. Soil units were identified using flexible grid method. Based on the geology, morphology and physical properties the soil units were identified provisional Soil map was produced in a GIS environment using combination of DEM and field boundary parameters. The major pedogenic processes included ferruginisation, lessivage, and mineralization. All these processes combined to form ferrallitic soils with low organic matter content. The soil units on sand stone were generally low in Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (0.88-3.82cmol/kg) while the soils formed from metamorphic rock had low to high CEC (2.92-12.44) The Phosphorus distribution was generally low (0.71–6.96 mg/kg) while Nitrogen content was less than or equal to 0.07%in all the units Soil organic carbon ranged from 0.21-0.95%. The major pedogenetic processes included, cummilization and gleization at the lower slopes while ferrolyses and lessivage and ferruginisation with formation of iron stone rubbles and plinthite was dominant at upper slope position of the soils formed from sand stone. While mineralization, salinisation and lessivage were dominant processes with basement complex. The soil units were classified using USDA classification system. The soils on sand stone include Plinthustults, Kandiustults, Dystrochrept. Natrustalf and Kandiustalf dominated areas underlain by micaceous ferromagnessiun rock. Based on the characterization, sustainable land use will involve use of fortified organic fertilizers, green manure, leguminous cover crops and erosion control measures such as vetiver grass strips

The soils of South western Nigeria are rapidly degrading due to nutrient mining, soil loss, inappropriate land use, low inherent soil fertility coupled with adverse effects of climate change. These have resulted to persistent low yields and farmers’ poverty. The current farming systems have failed to improve continuous decline in crop production. There is need for integrated approach that involves mineral fertilizer, organic resources, and improved crop varieties with sound agronomic practices if the region will be able to feed its population of over 35 million people. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is an all-encompassing resource management technique that embraces the use of good planting materials, with appropriate organic and/or inorganic fertilizer application or their integrated use. It also entails adapting the various combinations of the ISFM components to local conditions which by implication means site specific management. There is lack of coordinated information about the components of ISFM being used in SWN and most stakeholders have not appreciated the importance of integrated approach. This paper is therefore put forward to review the status of Integrated Soil Fertility Management in South western Nigeria in order to identify knowledge gap for sustainable crop production in the region.

Timely and consistent insecticide resistance monitoring efforts are required for early planning of management strategies. Here, we present the first report on bendiocarb, deltamethrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Adamawa, North Eastern Nigeria. Mosquitoes reared from larval collections were exposed to DDT (4%), bendiocarb (0.1%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) insecticides using standard WHO test kits and protocols. Species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays were used to determine the sibling species composition of the exposed mosquitoes while allele-specific PCR was used for kdr genotyping in the mosquitoes that survived after insecticide exposure. Mosquito populations from all the four study sites in Vimtim, Imburu, Muchala and Bachure were resistant (≤ 87% mortality) to DDT and deltamethrin insecticides. Mosquito populations exposed to bendiocarb showed suspected resistance in Vimtim and Imburu study sites and confirmed resistance in Muchala and Bachure sites respectively. Mosquitoes alive after deltamethrin, DDT and bendiocarb exposures were identified predominantly as An. coluzzii species (78.5 - 92%) compared to An. gambiae s.s (5.3 - 11%) and An. arabiensis (0 - 10.1%). All the 22 kdr positive mosquitoes collected were identified as An. coluzzii. Percentage occurrence of kdr alleles in the mosquito populations alive after deltamethrin and DDT exposures were 30% and 25% respectively. An. coluzzii (≥ 63%) was the predominant species identified in each study site compared to An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s) (≤ 20%) and An. arabiensis (≤ 17.4%) species. The results of kdr associated pyrethroid resistance is a potential threat to the effectiveness of the currently deployed deltamethrin-impregnated bed-net campaigns in Adamawa state. Evidence of bendiocarb carbamate resistance also implies potential ineffectiveness of future bendiocarb Indoor Residual Spraying. The involvement of metabolic resistance mechanisms in the mosquitoes from these study sites should be investigated for proper insecticide resistance management.

The study was set up to characterize floodplain soils of Southern Guinea Savanna in North Central Nigeria for sustainable land use. The flexible grid method was adopted to identify the soil units. Soil map was produced in a GIS environment, using morpho-physical and soil chemical properties. The major morphological expressions are ferrolyses and gleization. The variation in cation exchange capacity recorded (1.29–21.64 cmol kg− 1) could be attributed to effects of various deposits of soil regoliths from time to time. The phosphorus distribution is generally low (0.8–11.8 mg kg− 1) while nitrogen content is > 0.15% at the surface. The major pedogenetic processes include cummilization, ferrolyses and gleization. The soil units identified were classified as Fluvaquentic Epiaquept, Aquertic Ustifluvent, Kandic Ustifluvent, and Aeric Ustipsamment. The mapping units suggest two possible management units based on texture and chemical properties. The soils are generally suitable for rice production due to epi-saturation.

To successfully manage soil quality for sustainable crop production, there is need to identify issues affecting it. These are problems facing the capacity of soil to perform its functions and thus reducing its productivity. In addition, the similarities and differences between farmers’ perception of soil quality issues and that of soil scientist are very pertinent. This study, which was carried out at Itapaji watershed in Ikole local government area of Ekiti state, aims at identifying soil quality issues using participatory approach and conventional method. Diagnostic survey was carried out using participatory approach involving farmers’ judgement using questionaires. . The resultswere analysed to identify the soil quality issues from farmers’ perspectives. For conventional method, major soil types were identified and soil quality issues were identified using soil management assessment framework. The relationship between the soil issues from farmers’ interview and soil analysis were established by correlation analysis at α0.05. Soil quality issues identified by farmers are soil compaction, low soil fertility, termite infestation, crop wilt, hardpan formation, erosion, poor drainage and land use intensification. Low soil fertility is the most prominent with about 36.2 % impact on crop production in the watershed. Conventionally from soil analysis, CEC and organic matter are low which indicate low soil fertility; there is high acidity, shallow soil depth with presence of plinthite and hard pan. The farmers’ perception of soil quality and that of soil scientists correlate well (r = 0.70). There is therefore need for promotion of farmers’ participation by providing a forum for articulation of their opinions in mitigating low soil quality.

Due to the ineffectiveness of synthetic insecticides for sustainable control of Mosquito vectors, whose transmitted diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world today, attention has been directed towards insecticide formulations of plant origin. This study was, therefore, carried out to evaluate the larvicidal potential of the methanolic and n-hexane crude extracts of leaves of Adansonia digitata and Ficus sur against fourth larval instar of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito. The leaves of the plants were collected from Minna, Nigeria, pulverised, extracted and evaporated using Sohxlet apparatus, with methanol and n-hexane as solvents of extraction. The crude extracts of the leaves were screened for phytochemical constituents following standard methods. The larvae were obtained from a Laboratory colony of mosquitoes raised following standard protocols. Test concentrations of 0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg/L of n-hexane and 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L of the methanolic extracts were prepared and tested for larvicidal activities against the mosquito following the WHO standard protocols. Larval Mortality was recorded after 24 hours of exposure and mean mortalities computed. Lethal concentration values (LC 50 and LC 90 ) of the extracts were determined using Probit regression analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavanoids, Tannin, Saponin, Alkaloids, Steroids, Terpenoid, Cardiac glycosides and Anthraquinone, whose presence were solvent- and plant-species-dependent. There were significant differences in the recorded mortality between the various concentrations of each extracts, the solvents types and plant species. The n-hexane extracts of both plants showed significantly higher larvicidal efficacy against the larvae than their methanolic counterpart. While the n-hexane extract of A. digitata was more potent than its F. sur counterpart, the latter’s methanolic extract was more potent than the former. The median (LC 50 ) and upper (LC 90 ) Lethal concentration of methanolic and n-hexane crude extracts of A . digitata leaf were 0.15 and 0.008 mg/L, and 1.21 and 0.22 mg/L, respectively, while these values for methanolic and n-hexane crude extracts of F. sur were 0.13 and 0.015 mg/L, and 2.64 and 0.15 mg/L, respectively. The plants extracts also elicited dose dependent mortality. The findings of this study suggest that A. digitata and F. sur are promising sources of botanical lead agents in the development of sustainable potent larvicides, for integrated control programmes against mosquito-borne diseases.

The experiment was conducted to assess land degradation in agrarian soils of Ebonyin State. Ten farmers’ fields were selected based on land use and landscape positions across the three zones in the state. Physical and socio- economic information were obtained from the farmers and extension agents. Surface and sub-surface soil samples were collected for physical and chemical analysis. The soils at the upland were clay loam and at lower slope to valley bottom were clay loam to clay in texture. The upland and low land soils were strongly acidic (4.1) to moderately acidic (5.5) with low P (3.36 - 5 mg/kg). The soils also were low in cation exchange capacity (CEC) (1.36 - 2.68). Soil degradation indicators include crop conditions, poor yield, low fertility level, shallow soil depth (50 cm), high gravel content (> 35%), compaction of exposed sub soils and soil erosion. The factors and causes of soil degradation include improper tillage system, continuous cultivation, nutrient mining due to many crops per heap under mixed cropping and improper crop combination. Conservation agriculture with minimum tillage and green manure are recommended for sustainable production while combination of organic and in-organic fertilizer is recommended to improve soil quality.

The project was carried out to determine the effects of different fallow types on soil derived from sand stone of low nutrient status in south western Nigeria. The different fallow types include Leu-caena, elephant grass, guinea grass and secondary forest. Cultivated farm land was used to serve as control for comparison of soil quality improvement. Soil samples were collected in four replicates on each land cover type and analyzed for major physical and chemical parameters. The results show little fertility improvement for base saturation with 1.42 cmol/kg in Leucaena, 1.99 cmol/kg in secondary forest, 1.60 cmol/kg in guinea grass and in Elephant grass. Leucaena resulted to better soil quality than secondary forest especially in surface properties though not significantly different. Elephant grass and guinea grass also resulted to better Nitrogen content. Nitrogen content recorded in Leucaena was high with 0.20% - 0.25%. Guinea grass and elephant grass resulted to better soil quality in terms of nitrogen content [0.20% - 0.25%] than cultivated and secondary forest [0.07% - 0.11%] due to their yearly incorporation in to the soil by ploughing. The values of phosphorus were higher in Leucaena though not significant [6.46 mg/kg]. Low soil properties improvement is attributed to nutrient exploitation in Leucaena and secondary forest after a long period of fallow [20 years] while, nitrogen enrichment in the grasses is attributed to yearly tillage. Over all low to medium soil variability indicates that the soils could be managed as a unit for crop production.

Land use and soil management affect the distribution of soil properties thereby resulting in changes in the fertility status. Soil physical and chemical properties on the surface (0-30 cm) of five land uses (cassava/maize, oil palm, cowpea, secondary forest and building site) on a sandy loam Alfisol (Typic paleudalf) were assessed for spatial variations. All the land uses differed significantly (P 35%), the order was cassava/maize (1), oil palm (2), building site (5) > secondary forest (4) > cowpea (3). The study established that different land uses influence the soil differently within the same soil class. Therefore, this must be taken into

A study was conducted to determine the effect of tillage practices on soil properties under maize cultivation in savanna ecosystem of South Western Nigeria. The tillage systems evaluated were zero, convectional and traditional tillage systems. The results showed that there is a significant difference in soil parameters and crop morphologies at p , for crop growth and best performance of crop followed by conventional and no-tillage system in the area are studied respectively. The significant difference in yields adduced to lower bulk density, higher water holding capacity and porosity which increased plant root proliferation and optimal utilization of soil nutrients under tilled methods. Hence tillage methods have the capability to increase production while no-tillage is better under long term production for sustainable land use.

The influence of seasonal changes on epidemiological and entomological indices of malaria transmission in North Central Nigeria was elucidated in a series of studies carried out between January 2004 and December 2009. The climate in the study area was divided into three seasonal periods namely, rainy (May-October), dry (December-March) and transitional (April and November), during which larval and adult anopheline mosquito collections were carried out and assessed for densities, sporozoite infection and parity rates and potentials for malaria transmission. The results indicated that the climate in the study area was clearly seasonal, with close similarities in the patterns of distribution of the climatic factors in the study sites. Mosquito densities, both at the adult and larval stages (i.e., 29.35 +/- 5.10 adult mosquitoes/man/night and 10.36 +/- 3.34 larvae/dip, respectively), were significantly (p0.05) highest during the rainy season. However, while the former varied significantly in the three seasonal periods, the latter was not significantly different during the dry and transitional seasons. Malaria transmission risks, in terms of sporozoite rates and entomological inoculation rates, was significantly (p0.05) least in the dry season (i.e., 2.89 +/- 1.25% and 0.37 +/- 0.21 infective bite/man/night, respectively) but the two variables were not significantly (p0.05) different during the transitional and rainy seasons. Adult mosquito daily survival rate and adult longevity were least in the dry season (26.52 +/- 11.80% and 6.80 days, respectively) and significantly (p0.05) highest during the rainy season (72.28 +/- 4.00% and 16.95 +/- 4.20 days, respectively). Parous rates of the mosquitoes and duration of sporogony had distinct distribution pattern from the other variables investigated. While, significantly highest parous rates were recorded in the transitional season (86.00 +/- 4.30%), duration of sporogony was not significantly (p0.05) different during the three seasons. The epidemiology of urban malaria in North Central Nigeria was discussed from the view points of the these results and concluded that the findings should promote the development of informed temporally-targeted vector control programs for the area.

The knowledge of soil variability is crucial for a reliable estimation of the average of any given soil property for management purposes. A field trial was conducted to assess the variability of selected physical and chemical properties of an Alfisol with contrasting land use types (continuous arable cultivation, permanent crop cultivation, bush fallow and paddock). Plots measuring 20 m × 20 m (0.04 ha) were marked out and sampled for various soil properties and the variability of the measured properties was computed for each land use. The most variable properties under the continuous arable plot as measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) were organic carbon (28%) and exchangeable potassium (35%). Under permanent cultivation, the most variable properties were aggregate stability (40%) and volumetric moisture content (35%). For the bush fallow plot, the most variable properties were aggregate stability (26%), volumetric moisture content (45%), organic carbon (30%) and exchangeable potassium (55%). Un...

This study was aimed at generating baseline information for sustainable genetic improvement of Cirana forda larvae for entomophagy, through the use of gamma irradiation. Eggs of C. forda were irradiated with increasing doses of gamma rays from 0 to 200 Gy and raised through larval instal stages under laboratory conditions. The Body Weight (BW) and Head Capsule Width (HCW) of the larval instar stages were monitored as indices of productivity. Successful larval emergence was recorded for all irradiation doses tested and BW of the 1st and 2nd instar larvae were not significantly (p > 0.05) different between the control and treated groups (range = 0.021 +/- 0.003 g/larva in the 200 Gy treatment to 0.028 +/- 0.003 g/larva in the control group and 0.105 +/- 0.003 g/larva in 20 Gy treatment to 0.172 +/- 0.009 g/larva in the control group, respectively). On the other hand, BW during the 3rd and 4th larval instars were significantly (p < 0.05) lower among the irradiated treatments than control. Pattern of distribution of HCW was different from that of BW; as HCW increased with irradiation dose from 10-50 Gy during the 3rd and 4th larval instars. Also, HCW during the 5th instar larvae among the irradiated treatments (range = 5.256 +/- 0.012 to 5.662 +/- 0.026 mm) were not higher than that of the 6th instar in the control group (6.065 +/- 0.010 mm). These results suggest promising potentials of the use of gamma irradiation in sustainably improving the productivity of C. forda larvae for entomophagy.

Larvae of Cirina forda (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a popular food insect in the southern parts of Nigeria were raised in the laboratory on cut foliage as well as on a growing Vittdaria paradoxe tree at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Comparative observations were made on the insect’s biology and behaviour in both rearing systems in order to ascertain if the larvae could be reared in captivity on cut foliage. Egg eclosion began 24–48 hours after egg-laying and lasted 10 days. First instars initially aggregated after egg hatch, then migrated in single file to feed after approximately 12 hours after emergence. The first and second instars fed as an aggregate, while the third and subsequent instars fed separately. The first two instars did not exhibit any defensive response when disturbed, but the subsequent four instars emitted a green fluid which may act as a repellant to potential predators. High mortalities were suffered by the first and the penultimate instars. Results have shown that Cirina larvae could be easily reared artificially on V. paradoxa to serve as source of food for humans.

Land use type is one of the critical factors affecting land degradation and soil productivity. The extent to which it influences land degradation and productivity has not been fully ascertained. This has been necessary for this study with the aim of assessing the extent to which land use influences crop productivity. Soil degradation levels were assessed using direct observation. The land use types studied were arable cropping (land use 1), oil palm (land use 2), and building sites (land use 3). Rank ordered correlation was used for the data analyses. Direct observation showed that physical and biological degradations were more severe than chemical degradation in all the land uses. Degradation processes were more prominent in land uses 1 and 3 than 2. Land use was found to be significantly (P< 0.01) correlated with land degradation (r = 0.47) at all sites. The degradation level ranked from moderate to high due to inappropriate land uses and soil types. However, since degradation processes were very high in all land uses, there must be careful choice of appropriate use of land in order to reduce degradation and enhance soil productivity., Način korištenja tla jedan je od kritičnih faktora što djeluje na degradaciju i proizvodnost tla. Razmjeri na koji oni utječu na degradaciju i proizvodnost tla nisu u potpunosti ustanovljeni. To nas je potaklo za procjenjivanje razmjera u kojem korištenje tla utječe na proizvodnost usjeva. Razine degradacije tla procijenjene su izravnim motrenjem. Promatrani načini korištenja tla bili su: obradivo tlo za usjeve (korištenje tla 1), uljana palma (korištenje tla 2) i gradilišta (korištenje tla 3). Za analizu podataka primijenjena je korelacija za određivanje namjene (rank order correlation). Izravno motrenje je pokazalo da su fizička i biološka degradacija bile jače od kemijske, kod svih korištenja tla. Procesi degradacije bili su jače izraženi kod korištenja tla 1 i 3 nego kod 2. Prema nalazu korištenje tla bilo je značajno (P

Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected between November 2013 and May 2014 using Pyrethrum spray collection (PSC). The mosquitoes were identified using morphological keys and species specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The species composition of members of the An. gambiae complex and reported malaria cases in the selected study communities were spatially mapped using Arc GIS software. A total of 645 mosquitoes were collected from the study sites and morphologically identified. This comprised of 598 (92%) Anopheles species, 42 (7%) Culex species and 5 (1%) Aedes species. One hundredand ninety-six An. gambiaes. l. samples were randomly selected and successfully identified by PCR. The composition of the mosquitoes species collected in Gaa Bolohunduro showed that a higher proportion 53 (64.6%) were An. arabiensis compared to lower proportions 5(6.1%) of An. coluzzii and 24 (29.3%) An. gambiae . In Osin, only 12 (10.5%) were An. arabiensis compared to 13 (11.4%) and 89 (78.1%) identified as An. coluzzii and An. gambiae respectively. The variation in the composition of members of the An. gambiaes. l. identified in Gaa Bolohunduro was not significant ( p =0.070) compared to Osin ( p =0.043). A weak correlation coefficient showed that the predominance of Anopheles in both communities was not dependent on rainfall, though variation in the members of the complex within the wet and dry season was significant ( p

A bi-weekly mosquito larval survey was conducted in potential breeding habitats, between January 2004 and December 2005, in Ilorin, Nigeria, to elucidate the mosquito fauna, their breeding habitats and relative contributions of such larval habitats to mosquito populations in the area. Nine species were encountered namely, Anopheles gambiae (31.56%), Aedes aegpti (23.61%), Culex pipiens fatigans (17.74%), Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (9.79%), Anopheles funestus (9.47%), Aedes palpalis (3.26%), Culex decens (2.94%), Anopheles nili (1.06%) and Anopheles pharaoensis (0.61%). Three of these species, Ae. aegypti, An. gambiae and Cx. p. fatigans, had dominant densities (> 5%) and constant distribution (80.1 – 100%), and therefore were regarded as the principal mosquito species in the area. Most of the mosquitoes increased significantly (P < 0.05) in abundance during the rainy season, reaching a peak between June and September. Domestic containers and Temporary Ground Pools were the most active breeding sites, as they had both the highest number of species and individuals. Except An. gambiae and Cx. p. fatigans which bred actively in all habitat types, the mosquito species showed significant preferences for certain breeding sites. The public health implications of the occurrence of these mosquito species and associated breeding sites, as well as, management strategies were discussed. Keywords: Aedes, Anopheles, Breeding, Culex, Density, Population. The Zoologist Vol. 6 2008: pp. 7-15

Modern Apicultural practices in Kwara State date back to the year 2000 and has been assessed as being on low ebb. Fourteen bee farms were identified in nine of the sixteen Local Government Areas in the State and the Kenyan top bee hive was more used. Bee colony establishment rates were low but Ifelodun, Moro and Ilorin South Local Government Areas recorded high success rates of 73.32%, 65.85% and 47.42% respectively. All the government-owned apiaries paraded impressive numbers of hive but less than 20% of the hives were colonized by bees. The privately owned farms, however, did very well except Boorepo and Oniyangi farms in Ekiti and Irepodun Local Government Areas where apicultural practice is less than two years old. Cashew (Anacardium occidentalis) was the most popular of the six shade tree observed for bee hives. The likely factors standing in the way of the realization of the optimal beekeeping potential in Kwara State were highlighted. JARD Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 203-214

High-resolution satellite data can give vital information about land cover, which can lead to better interpretation and classification of land resources. This study examined the relationship between Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) digital data and land use types in the derived savanna ecosystem of Nigeria. The digital data of arable land, tree crops, burnt surface, riparian and settlements were analysed to establish relationships and potential of SPOT for resource discrimination and mapping. The results show that SPOT digital data are significantly different for the different land use types identified, spectral behaviour bears strong relationships with land features, and digital data are not significantly different (P < 0.01) within the ecosystem. Hence, the spectral behaviour from one area can be used to characterize the other within this and similar ecosystems.Les données de satellite de haute résolution pourraient donner d'information vitale au sujet de la couverture de la terre, qui pourraient mener à une meilleure interprétation et classification des resources de la terre. Cette recherche était conduite pour étudier le rapport entre les données numériques du Système Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) et les types d'emploi de terre dans la savane dérivée de l'écosystème du Nigéria. Les données numériques de terre arable, de cultures d'arbres, de surface brûlée, de riveraine et de habitations étaient analysées pour établir les rapports et le potentiel de SPOT pour la distinction de resource et le mappage. Les résultats montrent que les données numériques de SPOT sont considérablement différentes pour les différents types d'emploi de terre identifiés, le comportement spectral a un rapport solide avec les caractéristiques de la terre et les données numériques ne sont pas considérablement différentes (P

Soils formed from Ebonyi formation in south eastern Nigeria were mapped and classified for effective management and sustainable land use. The soil mapping was executed by combination of conventional method, soil landscape relationship and spatial analyses in GIS environ using digital terrain model to produce the soil map of Ikwo Local Government in Ebonyi State at a scale of 1:50,000. The soils were characterized and classified for effective soil management based on results of analyses of soils sampled from profile pits. The results show four mapping units based on the geology which comprises mainly sandstone, silt stone, shale and river alluvium parent materials. The major soils mapped include Typic Udifluvent, Aquertic Udifluvent, Typic dystrudept and Ultic Udifluvent. The morphology shows influence of low Ca:Mg ratio and high clay content in the subsoil (>30%) consequent ponding and hydromorphic soils. Soil quality is low to moderate based on pH and of between 4.14 to 5.19 which decreased down the profile. This also explains decrease of base saturation in some pedons. (16.84 and 98.17%). The acidic and anaerobic condition of some of the profiles must have aided the Fe/Mn movement to form Fe/Mn nodules at the base of some of the profiles. Bi genetic processes was involved in the lowlands including cummulization and gleization with formation of alluvium at the upper horizons with little stratification of the underlain parent materials due to combination of ecto/endo saturation. Other processes include Ferruginisation at break of slope and in situ formation of soils with high clay and silt content in areas with geohydrology setting of marine sedimentation of marl. The combination of poorly bedded shales, siltstones and limestone highly influenced formation of multifaceted terrain with rolling to undulating uplands and flood plains at the lowlands.

The knowledge, attitudes and practices of rural women in southern Nigeria are at least as important as the availability of modern obstetric care in the fight against haemorrhage in pregnancy. Community-based interventions taking this into account are necessary if the considerable mortality associated with the condition is to be significantly reduced.Recent observations in southern Nigeria revealed that there was a lack of knowledge of the warning signs and risk factors associated with hemorrhage during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period; certain food taboos were disadvantageous to pregnant women; there was a belief that supernatural forces caused some cases of maternal hemorrhage and precluded effective modern treatment; and women suffering from hemorrhage continued to seek care from traditional sources. Therefore, focus groups were convened with women, men, and traditional birth attendants in the Ekpoma group of 13 villages from March 1989 to June 1990 to discuss local ideas about hemorrhage and the situations when a pregnant woman may bleed, use and accessibility of interventions, and strategies for community health education. After analyzing the findings, the following actions were taken by the end of 1992: facilities in the first referral hospital were upgraded; a revolving drug fund was established; an emergency transport loan scheme was established; medical officers, nursing staff, medical records officers, and laboratory technicians were given retraining and refresher courses; and the hospital staff was mobilized and reoriented. In addition, and community education and mobilization efforts were continued until 1995. Additional focus group discussions were held between 1993 and 1995. Comparison of the results of the first and second series of focus groups revealed that age, sex, and education had no effect on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A marginal decline in traditional beliefs had occurred, but postpartum bleeding continued to be induced. The use of modern obstetric care facilities increased threefold from 1993 to 1995. In addition, midwives began referring patients for hemorrhage more readily. Sustained community educational efforts could build on these modest results.