| 1 |
Author(s):
Nwankwo Chibuzo S., Edozie Precious C., Okpomor Endurance O., Mbachiantim James T., Okoyeuzu Chigozie F., Carew Irene E., Belay Dereje, Abebe Teshome.
Page No : 1-10
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Quality Evaluation of Zobo Tea Flavoured with Clove and Ginger Packed in Tea Bags
Abstract
The nutritional quality of zobo tea flavoured with clove and ginger was assessed. One-way analysis of variance was applied to the data generated. Dehydrated sorrel calyx (zobo) was crushed and mixed with cloves and ginger to produce four different blends of zobo tea in teabags. The moisture of four different blends of the tea ranges from 9.41% - 11.46%. The ash, vitamin B9, and calcium content of 100% zobo tea were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others, while the iron content of 80% zobo and 20% clove tea were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. The fibre and pro-vitamin A content of 80% zobo, 10% ginger, and 10% clove tea were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the others. Plate bacteria, coliform and fungal counts of the zobo tea ranged from 1.25 x 104 to 1.10 x 1.107cfu/ml. In terms of taste, colour, flavour and general acceptability, the panellists showed significantly (p < 0.05) more preference for 80% zobo, 10% ginger and 10% clove tea. Zobo tea can be produced commercially, preserved for longer periods, and attract acceptance if processed with natural spices and packaged in tea bags; it will also be available and accessible at all times.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Isaac Yisa, Saliu Akinlabi Tiamiyu, Dauda S.N..
Page No : 11-16
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Effect of Intra-Row Spacing on the Incidence and Severity of Viral Diseases of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in Mokwa, Nigeria
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the effect of intra-row spacing on the incidence and severity of viral disease on soybean during the wet cropping season in 2019 at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Mokwa field, located in the Southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria at an altitude of about 212 metres above sea level. Observation and data collection were done on the disease incidence and severity rating; also, plant height, the number of leaves, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod and Grain yield (t/ha) were determined at harvest. Data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (PROC GLM) procedure of SAS (2008). The means of significant (p≤0.05) F-test were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. The Elisa results obtained revealed the presence of Cowpea mottle virus, Cowpea yellow mosaic virus and Soybean mosaic virus. Also, the field trial showed that the different spacing and soybean cultivars investigated differ significantly on the variables tested. However, optimum spacing at 20 cm and 1448 - 2E had significantly (P<0.05) increased in all vegetative, reproductive growth and yield as well as reduced incidence of the soybean viruses detected in the field. From the above results, spacing at 20 cm with the cultivation of soybean cultivar 1448 - 2E and appropriate cultural practices are hereby recommended to farmers in the area.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Agbai Williams P., Kosuowei Mouna T., Efenudu Ufuoma I..
Page No : 17-28
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The Infiltration Capacity of Soils Under Different Land-Use Systems in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State
Abstract
The study aimed to determine the effect of different land-use systems on soils in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Four land use types were considered namely Fallow land, virgin land, oil palm plantation, and plantain plantation. Soil samples were randomly collected at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-45cm) from three locations in the respective land-use types. The samples were bulked and prepared for the determination of some chemical properties. Core sampling was done to determine bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. A double-ring infiltrometer was used to determine the infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration. Sorptivity and transmissivity were determined from Philip’s infiltration model. The research revealed that the soils were acidic with a pH range of 4.4-4.7. There were differing levels of organic matter amongst the lands, the progression was Virgin (43.33g/kg)> oil palm plantations (34.67g/kg)> fallow land (23.33g/kg)> plantain plantations (14.67g/kg). The sand fraction dominated the various land-use systems, having loamy sand in the plantain plantation, sandy loam in the oil palm plantation and fallow land, and a range of sandy loam to sandy clay loam in the virgin land. Cumulative and infiltration rates were measured at an interval of 1, 3, and 5 minutes. The infiltration rate was slowest at the oil palm plantation (PPT) with an average cumulative infiltration of 36.3cm, and highest at the virgin land (VVL) at 67.4cm. The average cumulative infiltration of 42.2cm and 53.3cm were in the plantain plantation (OPT) and Fallow land (FFL). VVL>FFL>PPT>OPT was the progression from highest to lowest. Bulk density across the four land-use types did not exceed the critical level of 1.63g/cm3. The highest gravimetric moisture content of 25% was found in the virgin land > oil palm plantation (24%) > (fallow land) 21.6% > plantain plantation (20.3%). The virgin land had the highest sorptivity (64.5 cm/hr) while the oil palm plantation had the lowest (39.9 cm/hr) - VVL (64.5cm/hr) >FFL (55.6 cm/hr) >PPT (43.1 cm/hr) > OPT (39.9 cm/hr). Transmissivity was lowest (2.4 cm/hr) in the plantain plantation and highest (4.0cm/hr) was in the fallow land. Oil palm plantation and virgin land had transmissivity of 3.7 and 2.8cm/hr. The research showed that there were considerable impacts of land use on infiltration capacity. Soils of natural vegetations would easily support irrigation activities due to their organic matter content and should, therefore, be conserved or utilized with conservative measures, while cultivated lands should be improved regularly.
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Author(s):
Freddy Ruzhani, Abbyssinia Mushunje.
Page No : 29-43
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Attitude Towards Farming and the Dependency Associated with Access to Social Grants: The Case of Ngqele Village, Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape
Abstract
Using data drawn from a sample of 50 households in Ngqele village, the paper investigated households’ attitude towards farming as a livelihood source and the possibilities of the dependency syndrome associated with access to social grants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and a 5 point Likert scale was used to determine households’ attitudes towards farming as a livelihood source. The results confirmed overdependence on state grants which is hindering livelihood improvement. 26% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards farming. On the other hand, 38% had a negative attitude while 36% had an average attitude towards farming. The growing underutilisation of arable land in Ngqele village can be attributed to households’ ambitions and aspirations which are in favour of non-farm activities and also a relatively negative attitude towards farming. Direct and continuous support through the provision of technical and institutional support is required to sustain the level of interest in farming in this village. In addition, rural development should not only focus on land redistribution and farming but should also focus on employment creation outside the agricultural sector and the promotion of non-farm activities. Social grants should be linked to economic activities aimed at empowering households to take care of their livelihoods’ needs sustainably. Socio-economic policies that avail credit to rural households and training are also required to instil entrepreneurial skills especially to the youths in Ngqele village.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Steve Omari Ngodhe, Emmy Kerich, Okeyo Owuor, Paul Mutai.
Page No : 44-53
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A Comparative Study on the Selected Environmental Parameters Within the Cage, Pond and the Wild of Winam Gulf of L. Victoria
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to compare the environmental variables between water inside the caged fish, open ponds and open waters of Winam Gulf. Selected water quality parameters from the 20 ponds, 30 cages and wild were measured in-situ using electronic meters. Water temperature, DO, pH and salinity did not differ significantly in the different study areas (p>0.05) while Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) registered a significant difference between the culture systems (pond and cage) and the wild (p<0.05). This was attributed to the fact that the study areas were all within the same geographical space and there was lack of variation in micro-climatic conditions during the study period, while the differences in TDS could be as a result of over fertilization of ponds, leading to algal bloom. The environmental variables were within the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recommended limits for fish production.
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Author(s):
Amina Ahmed, Robinson H. Mdegela.
Page No : 54-62
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The Essential Oil from the Spices and Herbs Have Antimicrobial Activity Against Milk Spoilage Bacteria
Abstract
Spices and herbs are usually added to milk to impart a particular flavour and medicinal purposes. Moreover, it is reported that additional spices and herbs extend the shelf life of milk. Contemporary use of essential oils from spices and herbs show promising results against various food spoilage microorganisms. Therefore, the essential oils from the spices and herbs from Zanzibar were used to assess antimicrobial activity against milk spoilage bacteria. The essential oils were extracted using steam distillation by a Clevenger apparatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the microdilution method. All the extracts from cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and lemongrass showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus thermophillus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Escherichia coli. The essential oils exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than gentamycin. The MICs ranged between 0.004 and 0.125 µg/µl. Therefore, spices and herbs added to milk have the potential to inhibit the growth of milk spoilage bacteria.
