Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar JACAR is a learned journal devoted to the publication of high quality articles in all areas of Agricultural Sciences and Applied Chemistry. Applied Chemistry manuscripts should be restricted to corrosion of materials, environmental chemistry and water quality (pollution studies), physico-chemical properties of naturally occurring products, colloid chemistry, nutritional chemistry and metallurgy. Articles must be original and written in English. en-US The Journal owns the copyright of all the papers published. A Copyright Assignment Form (CAF) is completed by authors at the point of acceptance of the paper soemosa@yahoo.co.uk (Steve O, Emosairue) soemosa@yahoo.co.uk (Dr. S. O.Akparobi) Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.11 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Performance efficiency of broiler chicks fed diets with different levels of palm oil and tannia tuber meal. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41119 <br><br>Seven all purpose diets coded treatment A to G containing 0% to 2.5% palm oil and 20% tannia tuber meal were compared in an experiment done at Gregorio Araneta University Foundation Experimental Station in the Philippines, using 210 unsexes (Sanders) one – day – oil broiler chicks. The chicks were raised in 21-slated poultry pens (10 birds/pen) of 85 x 117 x 27cm in length, width and height, respectively and the pen temperature (T oF) maintained between 95 oF and 65 oF according to the ages of the birds. The chicks were fed for 49 days. Improvement on production criteria were observed (P<0.05, P< 0.01) among the chicks receiving palm oil and tannia tuber meal, however, these effects varied. In several aspects palm oil and tannia tuber meal gave the best performance on protein and fat efficiencies with the percentage nutrient loss (P<0.05) respectively. Significant differences (P<0.5) were found regarding the effects of oil palm and tannia tuber meal on daily weight gain and feed efficiency. There were no significant effects (P>0.05) observed among the experimental chicks on daily water and feed intake values. Significant effects were noted on live weight at slaughter, dressing percentage and cut–up yield percentage (P<0.05) together with organoleptic test score of the birds. Palm oil and tannia tuber meal diets tended to give better performances among the experimental chicks than the corn based diet, being the control.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 1-16 NM Anigbogu Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41119 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Multiple seedlings in fluted pumpkin (<i>Telfairia occidentalis<i> hook. F.): Evidence for the occurrence of polyembryony https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41120 <br><br>Investigations were conducted to identify types of seedlings occurring in Telfairia occidentalis (Hook F.). Attempts were made to trace their origins. Multiple embryos were observed to occur on the embryonic axis in separate and conjoined forms. A set of completely independent twins was found. Morphological differences between the primary shoot and the additional shoots from the same seed were not significantly different (P>0.05). Genetic studies revealed that all individuals originating from one seed were of the same sex, regardless of location. Chromosome number, 2n = 24 was recorded for all individuals of the separate and conjoined types and those arising from the cotyledons as well. The occurrence of separate seedling may be due to monozygotic cleavage of the embryo. Conjoined seedlings may have arisen as a result of post zygotic proliferation of the embryo. Origin of the independent twin seedlings is yet to be studied. Polyembryony was apparently post germinal in conjoined seedlings but suspected to be pre- germinal in the completely separate seedlings.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 17-25 AC Odiyi, JO Uzo Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41120 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Evaluation Of Management Properties Of Wetland Soils Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria For Sustainable Crop Production https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41121 <br><br>Management properties of soils of three wetland types in Akwa Ibom State were investigated. The wetland types are Inland Valley, Flood plain and Mangrove. The soils had silt/clay ratios above 0.15 and 0.25 indicating that they are of young soils. The pH of the wet soils was very slightly acidic (>6.4) while that of the air-dried samples was extremely acidic (>3.5). This suggests that the soils are potential acid sulphate soils. Organic matter content values were high with mean of 12.59, 60.01, and 3.20 percent for Inland valley, Flood plain and mangrove soils respectively. Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was below the >20 cmol/kg reported by FAO (1976) as indicative of high suitability of soil for crop production. There was negative and significant correlation between ECEC and pH in Flood plain soils (r= -0.76) and positive but non-significant correlation between ECEC and organic matter in all the wetland types. The soil had low base saturation (<38) and high percent aluminium saturation of above 60. Electrical conductivity was above the critical value of 2dsm-1 for sensitive crops. Exchangeable sodium percentage was less than 15 percent in all the wetland types. The soils had narrow C: N ratio of less than 20:1. The three wetland types, Inland, Flood Plain and Mangrove had mean clay content of 6.8, 25.6 and 11.3 percent and mean Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/clay ratio of 0.06, 0.11 and 0.11 respectively.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 26-36 SO Edem, BA Ndon Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41121 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Barriers To Interspecific Hybridization Among Non-Tuberous <i>Solanum</i> Species https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41122 <br><br>Crosses were made among four species of <i>Solanum</i> in an attempt to investigate the barriers to out crossing in this group. Interspcific crosses between non-tuberous <i>Solanum</i> species result in partial fertility or even complete sterility of the hybrids produced. Fertility was markedly reduced in F1 plants and the partial to absolute barrier to out crossing observed here were traceable to three causes barriers: Interspecific, hybridisation, non-tuberous <i>Solanum</i>.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 37-41 GE Nwofia, EE Ene-Obong Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41122 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 The Effects Of Leaf Spot Diseases And Staking On Yield And Yield Attributes Of Winded Bean Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus (L.Dc.) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41123 <br><br>Leaf spot was identified as the major disease of winged bean (<i>Psophocarpus tetragonolobus</i>) in the Zaria area of Northern Nigeria. The disease was induced by (<i>Cercospora psophocarpicola, Macrophomina phaseolina, Septosphaeria prolata</i>, <i>Phomopsis sp., Phoma sp., Curvularia ovoidea, Alteraria longissima and Lasiodiplodia theobromae</i>. The severity of the leaf spot disease caused significant reduction in fresh pod length, dry pod yield and grain yield, but did not affect the number of pods produced per plant. Staked plants performed better than unstaked plants in terms of number of pods per plant, length of dry and fresh pods, dry pod and grain yield. Staking however, did not have any effect on the severity of leaf spot disease complex of the winged bean. It is therefore, advised that winged bean plants be staked for a better performance.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 42-47 AN Awurum, AM Emechebe Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41123 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Epidermal characteristics of some Nigerian species of <i>Corchorus</i>. (Tiliaceae) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41124 <br><br>The three species of Corchorus used in this study were collected from Ife and Port Harcourt. The comparative study of the species were done using light microscope. The observations recorded on the epidermal architecture, stomata types, stomata distribution and frequency and the trichomes have been discussed in line with their diagnostic significance. The epidermal characteristics of these Nigerian species have been described for the first time.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 48-53 IC Okwulehie, BE Okoli Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41124 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Studies on the chromosomes of tropical lilies 2: karyotype of <i>Gloriosa superba</i> lindle (liliaceae). https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41125 <br><br>Further to the work on the members of the West Tropical African “Lilies”, the karyotype of Gloriosa superba is reported. Chromosome count from root tip cells showed 2n = 56 and the karyotype consists of 16 pairs of metacentric chromosomes and 12 pairs of sub-metacentries.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 54-57 GE Nwofia, OA Madu, EE Ene-Obong Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41125 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Seasonal influences of <i>Sclerotium rolfsii</i> and Botryodiplodia theobromae</i> on cowpea seedling mortality in Akwa Ibom state. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41126 <br><br>The germination and seedling mortality of five cowpea varieties, viz: IT 84s 2246 – 4, Ife Brown, TVX 3236, IT87D 719 and L25 were studied during the early planting period (March/April) and the late planting period (September/October) in Akwa Ibom State. In the early planting period the mean percentage losses ranging from 7.8 ± 1.4 to 28.6 were recorded in the first planting date (week 10) while in crops planted in week 16 the mean percentage mortality was observed to range from 21. 7% to 31 7 ± 11.9 Post emergency seedling mortality was found to vary within each planting time in the late planting period (September/October) with the least mortality recorded among crops planted in week 40 and 42 of the year, in all the localities. Varieties IT84S2246 – 4 and Ife Brown were observed to record the least seedling mortality in the three localities studied. Among others Sclerotium rolfsii and Botryodiplodia theobromae recorded greater prevalence when the serial dilutions of the rhizosphere of the infected plant were plated and analyzed.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 58-68 PE Asuquo, BE Madunagu, RU Ebana Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41126 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Digestibility And Nitrogen Balance Studies In West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Fortified Cassava Peel Meal – Poultry Waste Diets https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41128 <br><br>Four West African Dwarf (WAD) rams averaging 10.5 kg of body weight and aged 16 months were used in a metabolism study to determine the intake and nutrient digestibility of potato chips fortified cassava peel poultry waste diets. Four experimental diets were formulated. They include diets A the control made up of 100% dried cassava peel, and diets B, C, and D, consisting of 80: 10: 10; 70:15:15 and 60:20:20 of dried cassava peel, dried poultry waste and dried potato chips respectively. The crude protein (%) content were 4.86, 7.50, 9.18 and 9.83, while the gross energy (MJ/kg/DM) were 1.61, 1.62, 1.64, and 1.50 and for diets A, B, C, and D respectively. The animals were assigned the test diets in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment. Weekly body weights, feed intake, dry matter intake were recorded, nutrient digestibilities were computed while a nitrogen balance study was also carried out. Results indicate that incorporating potato chips in cassava peel – poultry waste diets generally improved intake in WAD sheep. Respectively the dry matter (53.33, 58.28, 54.71, 64.34), crude protein (24.93, 46.2, 49.24, 66.60), crude fibre (31.84, 27.74, 36.38, 68.12) and gross energy (80.08, 78.51, 77.25, 74.44) digestibility values of diets A, B, C, and D differed significantly (P<0.05). Also the dry matter intake (g/day) for diets B (387.31), C (388.03) and D (390.46) were similar but differed (P<0.05) from A (333.82). Total nitrogen intake, urinary and fecal nitrogen (g/day) also did differ (P<0.05) among treatment diets. The best nitrogen retention was obtained from animals fed diets D while A gave the least. The apparent –N- digestibility values were 26.30, 54.18, 51.07 and 60.15 for the respective dietary treatments. These values were also significant (P<0.05). The test diets promoted positive nitrogen balance among experimental animals generally. Animals on diet D performed comparatively better than those on diets A, B and C.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 69-74 FO Ahamefule, JA Ibeawuchi, JC Ibemere, M Okpara Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41128 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Determination of compatible component populations in yam ministt/soybean intercrop in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41127 <br><br>A two year field trial was conducted between 1995 and 1996 to determine the optimum plant populations of yam minisetts and soybean for a productive yam minisetts (40,000 and 80,000 plants/ha) were combined with three populations of soybeans (40,000, 80,000 120,000 plants/ha) in RCB design replicated three times. Seed yam yield (5.36t/ha) from intercropped yam minisetts grown at 40.000 plants/ha was slightly but not significantly higher than that from sole yam minisett at the same population (4.67t/ha). Similarly, intercropped yam minisetts at 80,000 plant/ha (13.24t/ha) gave slightly but not significantly higher tuber yield than that from sole minisetts at 40,000 plants/ha. Soybean seed yield yields (1.01 t/ha) at 80,000 plants/ha was significantly higher than that at 40,000 plants/ha (0.70 t/ha) but not at 120,000 plants/ha (1.06 t/ha). Assessment of productivity based on total energy produced per unit area shows that combination of yam minisets and soybean at 80,000 plants/ha each (13.90 x 103 Kcals/ha) was the most productive.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 75-79 JE Ikeorgu Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41127 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Effect Of Sex, Season And Month On Lambing Weight Of Yankasa X Balami Sheep In A Tropical High Altitude Environment https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41129 <br><br>The lambing records of a mixed flock of Yankasa x Balami ewes, managed semi-intensively at the National vertinary Research Institute (NVRI) farm Vom, were evaluated within a 2 year period (January 1985 – December, 1986. A total of 106 lamblings made up of 61 males and 45 females were investigated. The lambs were grouped by sex, months and seasons of birth. The results showed that the average weight of the male lambs (2.93 ± 0.09kg) was significantly more (P<0.05) than their female counterparts (2.73 x 0.13 kg). Rainy season lambs were more (59.4%) and superior in weight (2.95 ± 0.05 kg, P<0.05) than dry season lamb. Lambing was highest in the month of January (21.7%) within an average birth weight of 2.74 ± 011 kg. The heaviest and the smallest lambs were born in the months of July 93.91 + 0.kg) and February (1.70 ± 0.30 kg) respectively while the greatest number of male and females were also respectively recorded in the months of January (26.23%) and April (26.67%).<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 80-86 FO Ahamefule, JA Ibeawuchi, P Erhokpotoba Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41129 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Germination of witchweed (<i>Striga hermonthica</i>) (del.) Benth. seeds in response to stimulation by root exudates of groundnut <i>Arachis hypogaea</i> l.) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41130 <br><br>Seventeen varieties of groundnut were screened in the laboratory at 10 DAP, 15DAP and 20 DAP for the stimulation of germination of Striga seeds. The varieties were UGA-3, MDR8-15, FPEUR-II, ICGV-SM-87123, icgv-sm-86021 and UGA-4. Others were M412-801, 48-115B, EX DAKAR, RRB and M554-76. Included also were UGA-13, UGA-10, UGA-1, ICGV-90127 and NEGTM88-801. A sorghum variety SDSP (OD) 8900C3 was used as control. Results showed that the sorghum control caused higher germination of seeds than the groundnut varieties. Among the groundnut varieties UGA-13, UGA-10, UGA-4, UGA-3, UGA-1, EX DAKAR, MDR8-15, M422-801 and RRB stimulated the highest levels of Striga seed germination. The age of the groundnut plants apparently had no influence on activity of root exudates accepts for UGA-1, which exhibited an increase in germination stimulation from 10 DAP to 20, DAP. It is therefore recommended that any of these promising groundnut varieties may be introduced into rotation systems in the field for the management of S. hermonthica infestation.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 87-94 ES Okpo, ST Lagoke, WB Ndahi, O O Olufajo, R Tabo Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41130 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Response of vegetable cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (l.) Walp. Sub species <i>unguiculata</i>) to planting date and fertilizer nitrogen in the humid tropics. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41131 <br><br>Two factorial experiments were conducted in a randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications to study the responses of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subspecies unguiculata) to different plant dates (May, June and July in 1998 and April, May, June and July in 1999) and various nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha in 1998 and 0, 25, 50 and 100 kg/ ha in 1999) at Umudike in the forest zone of south-eastern Nigeria. Delay in sowing date depressed while nitrogen application up to 100kg/ha increased the plant growth attributes of height, leaf area index and dry matter yield. Delay in sowing date from April to July significantly reduced the yields and yield components of pod and seed. Application of 50kg/ha was sufficient to produce high pod and seed yields. The implications of the findings are discussed.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 95-103 D Okpara, AF Oshilim Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41131 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Application of geographic information systems (gis) for sustainable land resource management in nigeria. A review https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41132 <br><br>One of the goals of land evaluation in Nigeria is to enhance the sustainable use and management of land resources. Unfortunately, the current methods of agricultural land evaluation in Nigeria suffer from a number of inherent deficiencies that limit their usefulness as a tool for effective land use planning. There is therefore the need for the development and adoption of better methods, taking advantage of the recent advances in information technology e.g. geographical information systems (GIS). This paper highlights the need for the integration of geographic information systems with processes of land evaluation, for improved quality of land decisions and sustainable land use and management.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 104-111 BO Nuga Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41132 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Effects Of Fertilizer Application On The Chemical Composition Of Cassava Tubers And Their Garri Product https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41133 <br><br>Cassava variety, TMS 30572 was planted and plots were treated with compound fertilizer N15 P15 K15 at the rates of 0, 300kg/ha 400kg/ha and 500kg/ha. The chemical composition of the cassava tubers and garri produced from them were analysed. The results obtained showed that the moisture content obtained in the raw cassava from the unfertilized plot was 63.93% while tubers from cassava plots treated with fertilizer ranged from 65.27 – 65.87% moisture content. Crude fibre in raw cassava from plot without fertilizer was 1.70% as against 1.40% obtained from cassava plot with fertilizer treatment. The food energy was higher in cassava samples harvested from the plot with fertilizer treatment (392.90 g/calorie) when that of cassava from unfertilized plot was 388.90 g/calories. The cyanide potential was more in raw cassava from unfertilized plot (48.94 mg/kg compared to cassava samples from fertilized plot, which contains 42.86 mg/kg to 45.56 mg/kg HCN. The value of HCN on the cassava samples decreases as fertilizer treatment on the plot increases. Phosphorus was more absorbed by the cassava plant as the value of this mineral increases from 65.09 mg/100g in cassava from unfertilized plot to 68.90 mg/100 g observed in cassava from the plot treated at 500 kg/ha fertilizer. Fertilizer treatment also has effects on the garri product produced from the cassava from fertilized plots. The fibre content and swelling index was higher in garri produced from cassava obtained from the unfertilized plots.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 112-119 DE Okwu, AN Awurum Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41133 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 An economic study of palm oil marketing in Akwa Ibom state. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41134 <br><br>The Nigerian Palm Oil industry has witnessed a tremendous growth ever since despite its recent neglect. Its importance has permeated every facet of the economic sphere of the nation. Palm oil is the most important source of income to the people of Akwa Ibom State. However, the fluctuating trends in the production and marketing of palm oil in the State, calls for adequate economic investigation in order to enhance the potentials of the enterprise. The study covered the major markets in Akwa Ibom State, namely Uyo, Eket, Etinan, and Ikot Abasi main markets. In all, both the producers, wholesalers, and retailers were studied. The result shows that there is need for improved technical and economic efficiencies in the marketing of palm oil especially as the primary producers were not adequately remunerated due to low marketing efficiency.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 120-126 JA Mbanasor, OO Nwankwo Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41134 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Effect Of Palm Oil Supplementation On The Performance Of Broiler Starter Birds Fed Palm Kernel Meal Based Diets https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41135 <br><br>A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of palm oil supplementation on the performance of broiler starter birds fed palm kernel meal based diets. One hundred and twenty (120) one-week-old Anak broilers were randomly assigned to five (5) treatment diets, each treatment diet was replicated four times at six birds per replicate in completely Randomised Design. The birds were fed diets containing varying levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% palm kernel meal (PKM). Palm oil (PO) was incorporated at 0.5 and 1.5% into the diets containing 30 and 40% PKM respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the cost of producing a kilograms weight gain but non-significant differences (P>0.05) in the average live weight, average body weight gain average daily weight gain, average total feed intake, and feed conversion ratio among birds fed the treatment diets. Results of this study showed that PKM could be included in the diet of broiler starter birds (1-4) week old) up to 20% without palm oil supplementation but up to 30-40% with palm oil supplementation, without adverse effect on the performance of the birds.<br><br><i>Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research</i> Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 127-132 BE Obua, BE Obua Copyright (c) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jacar/article/view/41135 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000