Search

The production of healthy food in a sustainable manner is a major challenge for agriculture. Pot experiments were conducted in an open field during the rainy season in 2017 and 2018 to study the ef...

Background: Soil health is an important factor for producing a higher yield and obtaining good quality products. Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most important and valuable agricultural inputs for increasing crop production. Objective: Experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in the cropping seasons to determine the performance and nutritional qualities of sweet pepper in response to organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizers. Methods: Ten kilograms (10 kg) capacity black polythene bags were filled with topsoil and were arranged randomly on the field. Treatment combination included: - 0 NPK + 0 PM (T1), 40 NPK + 0 PM (T2), 32 NPK + 8 PM (T3), 24 NPK + 16 PM (T4), 0 NPK + 40 PM (T5), 8 NPK + 32 PM (T6), 16 NPK + 24 PM (T7) and 20 NPK + 20 PM (T8). Experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design and were replicated four times. Vegetative, flowering, and quality parameters were collected and analyzed using the GenStat Discovery, 2014 statistical analysis software. Separation of means was determined by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a probability level of 5%. Results: Results indicated that high rates of an organic source of N fertilizer produced higher values for vegetative and yield parameters, which was similar to the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. There was no significant effect of the sole application and combined organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizer on heavy metals and nitrates accumulation, but their effects were able to increase the values for nitrites above the recommended limits as suggested by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Conclusion: Our results showed that 20 NPK + 20 PM is the best treatment without any health implications in the study area, which also improved the yield and, therefore, can be considered economical.

Biochar has a low chemical composition and is recalcitrant to degradation. For good soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency of crops it becomes imperative that addition of a fast releasing nutrient source to biochar be sought. Therefore, studies were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the effects of biochar with poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of ginger. Treatments evaluated were: biochar applied alone at 15 t ha-1 , PM applied alone at 15 t ha-1, NPK fertilizer applied alone at 200 kg ha-1, biochar applied at 15 t ha-1 with poultry manure applied at 15 t ha-1 (B+PM), biochar applied at 15 t ha-1 with NPK fertilizer applied at 200 kg ha-1 (B+NPK) and a control with no amendment whatsoever. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Biochar, PM, NPK fertilizer alone or B+PM and B+NPK improved soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of ginger compared to no amendment (control). NPK fertilizer did not improve soil physical properties nor increased pH, OM, Ca and Mg significantly. B+PM and B+NPK improved soil physical and chemical properties, growth and ginger yield compared to their sole forms. Although B+PM had better soil physical properties, B+NPK increased yield and growth of ginger compared to B+PM. B+NPK increased the yield of ginger by 12.2% and 10.6% in 2017 and 2018, respectively compared with B+PM. B+NPK also increased the yield of ginger by 49.2% and 50.3% in 2017 and 2018, respectively compared to biochar alone. This was related to high presence of nutrients in B+NPK especially N and K which are important for ginger rhizome formation.

Nutrients use efficiency of plants could be affected by the antagonistic or synergistic effects of two or more elements in the soil leading to decreased or increased yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Landmark University Teaching and Research farm, Omu-Aran, Nigeria, to determine the interaction between zinc (Zn) and phosphate (P) fertilizers on growth, yield, nutrient elements and some heavy metals composition of groundnut grown on an Alfisol. Treatments consisted of four levels of phosphorus (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg P ha-1) and three levels of zinc (0, 4 and 8 kg Zn ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated four times. The following parameters were taken: plant height, plant spread, total biomass, number of pods/plot, weight of pods/plot, number of seeds/plot, weight of seeds/plot. Laboratory analysis of some chemical constituents of groundnut seed was carried out to determine the nutrient and heavy metals composition. Results indicated that application of 8 kg Zn ha-1 and 120 kg P ha-1 had a synergistic effect on the growth parameters and antagonistic effect on the yield, yield parameters, some nutrient elements and beneficial heavy metals. Application of 8 kg Zn and 80 kg P ha-1 is therefore recommended on an Alfisol without necessarily increasing the concentration of non-beneficial heavy metals in groundnut seed.

The nutrients requirement for Cucurbita pepo L. (summer squash) for optimal yield and quality fruits production can be achieved through adequate nutrient supply. A field experiment was carried out during the cropping season of 2015 and 2016 at Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm, Omu-Aran, Nigeria to investigate the impact of Tithonia diversifolia, poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth, yield, mineral and vitamin C content in the fruit of C. pepo. The experiment consisted of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha−1, poultry manure at 10 tons ha−1, T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha−1 + Poultry manure 10 tons ha−1, T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha−1 + NPK (20:10:10), NPK (20:10:10) and control (no amendment of any kind) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The growth and fruit yield of C. pepo using the mean of the two years was increased by 68% and 2% respectively by T. diversifolia + poultry manure as compared to control due to an increase in nutrient availability in the soil with the amendment used. Also, Vitamin C content and Mg value of the fruit was increased by application of T. diversifolia as soil amendments as compared to the control. While the application of NPK fertilizer alone significantly increased the Ca, Mn and Fe contents of fruits. Fruit content of K was increased by 39 % by the application of T. diversifolia + NPK. Therefore, for the purpose of growing squash for the quality of fruits (vitamin C), the use of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha−1 as organic fertilizer is sufficient for the cultivation, while for growing the crop with interest in quantity, application of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha−1 + poultry manure at 10 tons ha−1 is recommended.

Field experiments were conducted during 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons in the derived agro-ecological zone of Nigeria to study the combined and sole effect of zinc and boron fertilizers on the growth, seed yield, and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. Three levels of zinc (0, 4, and 8 kg·ha−1) and four levels of boron (0, 300, 600, and 900 ml·ha−1) were combined and evaluated. Groundnut seeds were analyzed at the end of the experiments to determine nutrient elements and some heavy metal contents. Data collected were subjected to Statistical Analysis of Variance using SAS 2000. Treatment means were compared using the Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 level of probability. The effect of zinc was not significant on the vegetative parameters, while application 8 kg Zn·ha−1 significantly increased number of seeds, weight of seeds, seed yield per hectare, and seed quality though the values were similar to the application of 4 kg Zn·ha−1 only on the seed yield and its parameters. Application of 600 and 900 ml B·ha−1 gave higher and statistically similar values for vegetative parameters, yield, and yield parameters, while 600 ml B·ha−1 significantly improved the seed quality. It can therefore be recommended that for optimum yield and seed quality, application of 8 kg Zn·ha−1 combined 600 ml B·ha−1 is sufficient in the study area without increasing the heavy metal concentration of groundnut seed.

Underutilized crops with rich nutritional base in addition to high seed yield are currently promoted in reducing hunger and malnutrition ravaging Africans. Identifying specific accessions with rich genetic bases provide information for developing biofortified legumes. Fourteen morphological and two nutritional traits of 23 African yam bean accessions were assessed under a replicated field trial in one location over 4 years. Analysis of variance revealed significant variations for most traits with high genotypic correlation coefficients. Genotypic coefficient of variation was high for maturity date (59.95%), protein content (60.78%), tuber yield per plant (67.33%) and number of seeds per pod (77.22%). Seed yield did not correlate with protein and oil content, indicating that nutritional traits were independent of seed yield traits. Heritability was high for most traits but moderate for protein and oil content. First order predictor variables, identified number of seeds per pod, and pod traits to directly affect seed and tuber yield. First seven principal components axes explained 67% of total variation including nutritional traits. Four distinct accession clusters at the R-squared distance of 0.45 similarity index were identified. Simultaneous improvement in earliness, yield, protein and oil contents are achievable by selecting parents from clusters I and II. The only accession in cluster III (TSs12) produced nodules in addition to average seed yield, protein and oil content, and could be selected for cultivation in nitrogen deficient soils. Wide diversity in these accessions can be maximized for developing acceptable African yam bean varieties with enhanced yield and nutritional value.

Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorable peculiarities such as low inherent fertility and acidity. These limitations can be ameliorated by tillage and organic manuring. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to assess the effects of tillage methods and maize cob ash (MCA) on soil properties, yield, growth, mineral, and vitamin C contents of okra fruit. The experiment consisted of 3 × 3 factorial combinations of three tillage methods {zero–tillage ZT, manual ridging MR, and plowing plus harrowing P+H} and three rates (0.0, 3.0, and 6.0 t ha−1) of application of MCA. Tillage methods and MCA influenced soil physical and chemical properties, performance, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruit significantly. MCA increased soil K, Ca, Mg, okra yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruits up to 3 t ha−1 level after which there was a decrease. The order of reducing bulk density and soil chemical properties, increasing porosity, yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra was: ZT > MR > P+H. Tillage appears to be indispensable for sustainable okra production on Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Growth and yield of okra in this study was dependent on soil physical properties and chemical properties such as pH, OM, N, and K. Combination of P+H and 3 t ha−1 MCA produced better yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra compared with other combinations of tillage with MCA. Addition of MCA to either P+H or MR is important to reduce the limitation of acidity associated with tropical Alfisol.

Background:The optimum rate of nutrient must be defined with reference to soil properties for individual crops and soil.Objective:Field experiments were carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to determine the various levels (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) of potassium fertilizer (muriate of potash , KCl), on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient contents, performance and proximate quality of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatasL.).Method:The five treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates.Results:Studies showed that K fertilizer in both the years significantly influenced N, P and K concentrations compared with the control and also increased the soil concentrations of these nutrients from 0 - 160 kg ha-1K fertilizer. However, soil K only increased up to 80 kg ha-1fertilizer after which there was a decrease. There was a reduction in the values of Ca and Mg in the soil as the levels of K increased. Leaf nutrient concentration of the sweet potato was consistent with the values of soil chemical properties recorded. 80 kg ha-1K fertilizer was observed to be the highest value of sweet potato growth and tuber yield after which there was a reduction. The yield decrease was adduced to excessive K application leading to imbalanced sweet potato plant nutrition compared with N, P, Ca and Mg. K fertilizer significantly influenced moisture, vitamin C and carbohydrate compared with the control. The highest values of fibre and protein were obtained at 80 and 40 kg ha-1K fertilizer, respectively. Dry matter and fat contents of the sweet potato reduced by K application from 0 - 160 kg ha-1application rate.Conclusion:For best tuber yield, quality and economic response of K fertilizer to the sweet potato in the agro-ecological zone or in other similar soil conditions elsewhere in the tropics could be achieved by applying 80 kg ha-1K fertilizer.

Field experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons at Landmark University Teaching and Research farm, Omu-Aran Kwara state, Nigeria, to determine the effect of soil applied Zn-fertilizer, Tithonia diversifolia (Ti), Chromolaena odorata (Ch) and poultry manure (PM) on the performance, yield, minerals and vitamins composition of okra fruits. Treatments were combined and tested as follows:—Control (T1), Control + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T2), 5 t ha−1 Ti + 5 t ha−1 PM (T3), 5 t ha−1 Ch + 5 t ha−1 PM (T4), 5 t ha−1 Ch + 5 t ha−1 Ti (T5), 10 t ha−1 Ti + 0 kg ha−1 Zn (T6), 10 t ha−1 Ti + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T7), 10 t ha−1 Ch + 0 kg ha−1 Zn (T8), 10 t ha−1 Ch + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T9), 10 t ha−1 PM + 0 kg ha−1 Zn (T10), and 10 t ha−1 PM + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T11). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four repetitions. Vegetative, yield and quality parameters of okra were taken. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p ≤ 0.05. Variations were observed on the vegetative parameters, yield, minerals and vitamin composition of okra among the applied amendments. The combined application of green biomass, poultry manure, and Zn-fertilizer improved all the variables tested as compared to when they were applied singly. Application of Zn-fertilizer to some selected plots significantly increased yield, Zn, Mg and vitamins concentration of okra. Application of 5 t ha−1 Ti + 5 t ha−1 PM + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T3) and 5 t ha−1 Ch + 5 t ha−1 PM + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T4) significantly improved all the parameters tested but the use of 5 t ha−1 Ti + 5 t ha−1 PM + 10 kg ha−1 Zn (T3) resulted in optimum yield and at the same time increase minerals and vitamin concentration of okra. The results of this study therefore showed that Tithonia diversifolia (Ti) as green biomass contained and released more and quality nutrients than Chromolaena odorata (Ch) when combined with equal rate of Zn fertilizer and poultry manure.

Micro-nutrients especially zinc can not only increase the yield of sweet potato but can also improve the quality of tubers. Hence, experiments were carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to determine the impact of various levels of ZnSO4 fertilizer on soil chemical properties, foliage and storage root yields and proximate qualities of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). The experiments consisted of 5 levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) of ZnSO4 fertilizer. These were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. ZnSO4 increased (with the exception of P) soil chemical properties compared with the control. N, K, Ca, Mg and Zn were increased up to the 20 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 level in both years. ZnSO4 reduced P concentrations in soil as the level increased. For sweet potato performance, 5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 fertilizer had the highest values of foliage yield (vine length and vine weight) and storage root yield. Using the mean of the two years and compared with the control, ZnSO4 fertilizer at 5 kg ha-1 increased storage root yield of sweet potato by 17.4%. On fitting the mean storage root yield data of the two years with a cubic equation, the optimum rate of Zn for sweet potato was found to be 3.9 kg ha-1 to achieve the maximum sweet potato yield. In this study, relative to the control, ZnSO4 fertilizer increased moisture and decreased the fibre contents of sweet potato. There were no consistent patterns of variation between the 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 treatments for proximate qualities except that the highest values of fat, protein, carbohydrate and ash was at 5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4.

The data article contains the experimental data and figures on the number of rooted cuttings, number of cuttings with callus, cutting mortality and root length of Parkia biglobosa cuttings. The investigated data are related to the research article “Effects of alternative hormones on the rootability of Parkia biglobosa.” (Dunsin et al., 2014) [1]. In the experimental data, number of rooted cuttings, number of cuttings with callus, number of cuttings with mortality, total number of roots, total root length of cuttings and length of longest root of cuttings data employing alternative hormone (Pure Honey, Coconut Water, Moringa Leaf Extract) on the semi-hardwood stem cutting of Parkia biglobosa have been exhibited. The data would be useful to researchers finding alternate growth and rooting hormones that are cost friendly and for vegetative propagation during enrichment planting program of important tree crops that are difficult to propagate via seeds. Keywords: Moringa Leaf Extract, Coconut Water, Honey, Rootability, Parkia biglobosa

A field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the effects of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil properties, leaf nutrient concentrations and root yield of radish. The experim...

Field experiments were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, in the cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016. The soil at the site of the experiment is an Alfisol classified as an Oxichaplustalf or a Luvisol. The trial consisted of sole and combined applications of urea fertilizer (U) applied at 0, 60, and 120 kg·ha−1 and maize cob ash (M) applied at 0, 3, and 6 t·ha−1. The results showed that U and M alone or in combinations increased the soil chemical properties, growth, yield, and mineral composition of okra compared with the control. M alone at 3 t·ha−1 produced optimum soil chemical properties, yield, and mineral composition of okra fruit. U alone at 60 kg·ha−1 produced optimum yield of okra, while growth and mineral composition were increased when urea fertilizer was applied at 120 kg·ha−1. The treatment with U applied at 60 kg·ha−1 in combination with M applied at 3 t·ha−1 (U60M3) produced the highest values of okra yield, while U applied at 120 kg·ha−1 in combination with M applied at 3 t·ha−1 (U120M3) has the highest growth and highest N, K, Ca, Cu, and Fe contents of okra fruit. Compared with the control and using the mean of the two years, U60M3 increased okra fruit yield by 93.3%. Therefore, for viable production of okra in low nutrient soil of the Nigeria derived savanna or similar soils elsewhere, 60 kg·ha−1 U + 3 t·ha−1 M (U60M3) is recommended. However, for improved mineral quality of okra, 120 kg·ha−1 U + 3 t·ha−1 M (U120M3) is recommended.

Purpose: Soils of the experimental area are low in vital nutrients such as nitrogen. Fallow is no longer possible because of increasing pressure on arable land. The limited available chemical fertilizers must be inevitably and judiciously used for optimum yield. The study was carried out to assess the response of sweet sorghum varieties to varying nitrogen fertilizer (N) rates.Research Method: Sweet sorghum varieties (NTJ-2, 64 DTN, SW Makarfi 2006 and SW Dansadau 2007) were alloted to the main plots and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha-1) to the sub-plots of a split-plot design, in three replicates. Data on growth and yield characteristics were collected and analysed.Findings: Variations were observed among the four varieties of sweet sorghum; SW Dansadau 2007 had greater growth and yield characteristics. N fertilizer had positive effects on the growth characteristics and ethanol yield of the crop. 80 kg N ha-1 resulted in increase of most parameters and ethanol yield, beyond which there was either no significant difference or a drop in the values of these parameters. Thus the use of 80 kg N ha-1 would result in optimum yield of sweet sorghum in the study area.Limitations: The requirement of 80 kg N ha-1 may not be generalized for the entire southern guinea savanna agro-ecological of Nigeria as the study was carried out only in one location.Originality/Value: These findings would assist farmers in the study area identify the most promising sweet sorghum variety and the optimum fertilizer rate for its production.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia on growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphnus sativus L.). The potential of T. diversifolia as green manure has been discovered by a number of researchers while there is paucity of information and research work on the potentials of P. biglobosa in supplying crop nutrients despite the numerous nutrient compositions contained in the leaves. Both P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia are capable of providing adequate biomass for crop growth and sustainability. The contribution of 10 tonnes ha−1 tithonia to the growth and yield of radish was comparable to that of NPK while the potentials of parkia at all rates was not fully expressed in the growth and yield due to its slow mineralisation. Combination of varying levels of P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia also contributed to the growth and yield of radish though the effects were not significant. It can therefore be concluded that the use of T. diversifolia at 10 tonnes ha−1 as organic manure is sufficient for the cultivation of radish as it performed similar to application of 200 kg ha−1 NPK fertilizer and based on the fact that it is readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and may have adverse effect on the environment.

The type of materials used as mulch and season of application may determine its impact on soil physical and chemical properties and crop yield. Hence, field experiments were carried out during 2015 (dry) and 2016 (wet) cropping seasons to determine the effect of various mulch materials on soil properties, leaf nutrient composition, yield and growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). The experiment consisted of four mulch materials (a) Pueraria phaseoloides, (b) Mucuna pruriens, (c) Pennisetum purpureum), (d) Panicum maximum and a control (no mulch application). The five treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Application of mulch reduced bulk density, soil temperature and increased porosity, soil moisture content, pH, OM, soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, pod yield and growth of okra compared with the control. Legume mulch materials (LMM) (Pueraria and Mucuna) produced higher values of OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with grass mulch materials (GMM) (Pennisetum and Panicum) in both seasons. GMM significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced bulk density and soil temperature and increased porosity and moisture content compared with the LMM in 2015. The correlation coefficient showed that the yield of okra in 2015 was dependent on soil physical properties while the yield in 2016 was dependent on soil chemical properties. GMM in 2015 produced 49% and 158% higher pod yield compared with LMM and the control, respectively. LMM increased the pod yield of okra in 2016 by 56% and 122% compared with GMM and the control, respectively. Therefore the use of grass materials as mulch in the dry season and the use of legume mulches during the wet season maximized yields

Field experiments were carried out during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State (latitude 8.9°N and longitude 50°61 E.), Nigeria, to study the effect of some green manures as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield, mineral and proximate composition of radish. Green manure composed of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina and Chromolaena odorata and were applied as follows: 10 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 0 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T1), 7.5 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 2.5 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T2), 5.0 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 5.0 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T3), 2.5 tonnes ha−1 Vernonia + 7.5 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T4), 0 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 10 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T5) while in-organic fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) was applied at 200 kg NPK ha−1 (T6) and there was a control plot (T7). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times. Vegetative, yield and quality parameters of radish were taken. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis Software (S.A.S), 2000. Treatment means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of probability. The study showed that application of green manures increased vegetative, yield and yield parameters and were comparable with application of NPK fertilizer while there was a significant increase in the nutritional composition of radish with application of green manures when compared with NPK and control. It can therefore be concluded that application 10 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 0 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T1) as green manure increased vegetative, yield and yield parameters while application 7.5 tonnes ha−1 vernonia + 2.5 tonnes ha−1 chromolaena (T2) improved radish quality.

Background: Sphenostylis stenocarpa is an underexploited African indigenous food crop that is enriched in nutritional quality. Objective: Exploring the robust genetic base of this landrace can help to maximize the benefit of the agricultural sector on the economy through production that is enhanced by packaging and patent. This as well will increase the quality of food production and promote African campaign on food sustainability. Methods: Upon this, this research made use of multiple statistics to identify S. stenocarpa yield and nutritional trait relatedness that supported selection for maximum yield and nutritional trait output. Yield and related traits including protein and oil contents of twenty-three Sphenostylis stenocarpa landraces were studied under a four year planting seasons in Teaching and Research farm of Landmark University, Nigeria. Results: Trait variances from Landrace × Year (L × Y) interaction, Principal Component and Cluster analyses were evaluated and the variation patterns were identified. Some vegetative (maturity phase, height and branching) and yield traits (Pod traits, seed yield and oil content) correlated significantly (p < 0.05) in the L × Y interactions. This suggests the usefulness of these traits in improving S. stenocarpa grain and oil quality yield. Tuber and nodule yield including protein content did not differ significantly in the variance table. Conclusion: The result indicates that one location trial is insufficient to determine such trait performance. The first four PCs that accounted for 51 percent of the total variations were traceable to branching, maturity date, pod numbers, seed and oil content as main contributors to yield.

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms of Landmark University Omu-Aran, Kwara State of Nigeria, for comparative evaluation of inorganic fertilizer with sole and integrated forms of cocoa pod ash (CPA) and cocoa pod husk powder (CPHP) on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of cucumber in Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The treatments used for the experiment were control, NPK 20:10:10 (200 kg/ha), 100 % CPA (10 t/ha), 100 % CPHP (10 t/ha), 100 % CPA (10 t/ha) + 100 % CPHP (10 t/ha), 100 % CPA (10 t/ha) + 50 % CPHP (5 t/ha), 50 % CPA + 100% CPHP, and 50 % CPA + 50 % CPHP. At two weeks after planting NPK 20:10:10 was applied to the assigned plots at the rate of 200 kg/ha. Treatments were arranged in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS procedure while DMRT at 5% level of probability was used to separate the means. Results showed that treatment with 10 t/ha CPA + 10 t/ha CPHP increased soil chemical properties compared to control. Treatments with 100% CPA + 100% CPHP and 100% CPA + 50% CPHP gave significantly higher and similar values of plant height, number of leaves, number of lateral branches and other yield parameters (fruit number, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and total yield) of cucumber compared to the control. Therefore, the application of 10 t/ha CPA + 5 t/ha CPHP was considered best for growing cucumber in the study area. These cocoa wastes are readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and which may have adverse effect on the environment. Keywords: cocoa pod ash, cocoa pod husk powder, cucumber, soil chemical properties, growth and yield

The study evaluates the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on the growth, leaf and yield components of Sesamum radiatum under basal application of nitrogen fertilizer. The field experiments were carried out concurrently at two locations viz, experimental field of National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan; Western region of Nigeria and Research Farm of the Bio-fuel and Alternate Renewable Energy Ltd., Edidi, Kwara State in the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria in 2014. Treatment consisted of four rates of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. Seeds were sown at inter and intra-row spacing of 50 x 40 cm. Results revealed that application of phosphorus fertilizer improved growth, leaf and yield components of Sesamum radiatum at the two locations. 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 proved to be optimum at Ibadan and Edidi respectively but the mean values of the two locations showed that 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 was appropriate with basal application of 80 kg N ha -1 . Keywords: Sesamum radiatum , Phosphorus fertilizer, Seed

Experiments were conducted at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons to determine the effects of plant population and soil amendments on the growth and yield of two varieties of amaranth. The treatments consisted of two varieties of grain amaranth (TE81/28 and CEN18/97), three plant populations (100,000; 60,000 and 40,000 plants ha -1 ). Six levels of soil amendment (0, 25, 50, 75, 100kgN ha -1 of organic fertilizer and 100kgN ha -1 of inorganic fertilizer. The trials were designed as 2 x 3 x 6 factorial and laid out in split-split plots arrangement and repeated three times. Two varieties of grain amaranth (TE81/28 and CEN 18/97) as main plots, three plant population (100,000; 60,000 and 40,000 plants ha -1 ) as sub plots while six levels of soil amendments as sub-sub plots. Data collected on plant height, number of branches and grain yield were analyzed using the analysis of variance and treatment means separated by the least significant difference at 5% probability level. The results showed that though the organic soil amendment gave a progressive increase in the parameters measured with an increase in application levels, the in-organic soil amendment (100 kg N ha -1 ) significantly increased both the growth and yield parameters at 60,000 plants ha -1 with CEN18/97 amaranth variety. Keywords: Soil amendment, Growth and Yield