AGRICULTURAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Background: Different ethnic rice products are obtained from specialty rice varieties of Assam, India. A unique characteristic of these rice products is that the products can be used instantly. Considering lack of study relating to biochemical changes during processing, the present study was conducted. Methods: The specialty rice products (bhaja bora, hurum, sandahguri, Korai, flaked rice and komal chaul including two intermediate forms in preparation of bhaja bora and hurum) prepared through traditional method and their respective raw forms were collected in Jorhat, Assam. The phytic acid, total phenols and a few minerals were estimated with standard methods. Result: Among the products, the phytic acid phosphorus and total phenol content ranged between 92.74-272.65 mg/100 g and 61.67-69.59 mg catechol equivalent/100 g, respectively. The total ash (%) and the minerals (mg/100 g) like sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and iron ranged between 0.

Good agronomic practice is a key to a successful crop production aiming at high yield and quality in small or large scale planting. Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Family Asteraceae) is a herbal plant rich in phytochemical compounds of wellbeing benefits to the consumers. Suitable and complete technology on agronomic practices such as cultivation technique, fertilization application, water requirement, weed control and pest and disease management of G. procumbens or locally known as Sambung Nyawa for the Malaysian environment can ensure quality product and high yield. This may attract local producers and smallholders to cultivate this medicinal plant commercially. Complete technology package documented for commercial planting of G. procumbens may encourage its planting which would ensure the sustainable supply of G. procumbens raw materials for the pharmaceutical and health industries. Suitable agronomic practices adopted contribute to sustainable commercial production of G. procum...

Delayed onset of rainfall threatens food security in Nigeria because it shortens the growing season and constrains farmers to delay planting. This study was conducted in 2009 and 2010 to assess the impact of delayed onset of rainfall on maize production and determine adaptation strategies in the rainforest agroecology of Nigeria. As part of the study, analysis of rainfall trend in the location was performed using 30 years (1978 – 2007) data. Four sowing dates (February 28, March 15, March 30 and April 14), two poultry manure rates (0 and 10 tons ha-1) and three maize varieties (TZE COMP3C3, TZL COMP4C3 and OKA AWAKA) were combined as a split-split plot and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The result showed that delayed onset of rainfall in the study area is the consequence of a shift in the rainfall pattern within the months of February and March. Analysis also revealed a declining trend in average annual rainfall and rain days. The resulting moi...

Background: Maize is an important crop for resource poor farmers across Africa and Asia. The crop is susceptible to weeds that severely reduce yields, because of their competition with the crop for moisture, nutrients, sunlight and space. Methods: A regression analysis was carried out to find the association between maize grain yields and weed dry matter production. The predicted values of total maize grain yield and weed dry matter production was obtained using the equation Y= a + b1 z + b2 z 2 , Y is maize grain yield/weed dry matter production and z is a function of time of weeding such that the slope is zero at z=0 (time of sowing) and z 2 = 12 (time of final harvest) b2 is the regression coefficients. Results: The result showed rapid growth of weeds between 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), while the initial period of weed competition with improved maize varieties lies between 3 and 6 WAS. The crops kept weed free initially for 20 and 42 days after sowing had yield reduction of about 65 and 50%, respectively. Plots infested for 63 and 84 days had an estimated yield loss of 88 and 93%. Initial weed infestation for 42, 60 and 91 days after sowing had yield reduction of 20, 30 and 60%. Conclusion: The most critical period of weed competition with the crop was between 6 and 9 WAS. Plots weeded subsequently after initial infestation of 70, 50 and 22 days after sowing had estimated 10, 20 and 50% reduction of weed growth respectively.

Background: Maize is an important crop for resource poor farmers across Africa and Asia. The crop is susceptible to weeds that severely reduce yields, because of their competition with the crop for moisture, nutrients, sunlight and space. Methods: A regression analysis was carried out to find the association between maize grain yields and weed dry matter production. The predicted values of total maize grain yield and weed dry matter production was obtained using the equation Y= a + b1 z + b2 z 2 , Y is maize grain yield/weed dry matter production and z is a function of time of weeding such that the slope is zero at z=0 (time of sowing) and z 2 = 12 (time of final harvest) b2 is the regression coefficients. Results: The result showed rapid growth of weeds between 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), while the initial period of weed competition with improved maize varieties lies between 3 and 6 WAS. The crops kept weed free initially for 20 and 42 days after sowing had yield reduction of about 65 and 50%, respectively. Plots infested for 63 and 84 days had an estimated yield loss of 88 and 93%. Initial weed infestation for 42, 60 and 91 days after sowing had yield reduction of 20, 30 and 60%. Conclusion: The most critical period of weed competition with the crop was between 6 and 9 WAS. Plots weeded subsequently after initial infestation of 70, 50 and 22 days after sowing had estimated 10, 20 and 50% reduction of weed growth respectively.

Field experiment was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Uyo-Out station in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The aim was to evaluate the yields of seven maize varieties in humid rainforest of Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria in view of recommending high yield varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments were seven maize varieties viz-: Uwep (local). FARZ 32, Oba super 2, Oba 98 and suwan-I-SR, Quality protein maize (QPM) and extra-early. Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant mean were compared using least significant difference at p<0.05. The result showed significant difference(p<0.05) plant height. FAR 32 was the tallest at 9WAP (159.37 and 163.33 cm in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons, respectively) The shortest variety, 121.12 and 122.61 cm, respectively at 9WAP was recorded in QPM. The weight of grains varied significantly different. FARZ 32 had the heaviest 100 grain weight, 42.60 g and 41.30 g in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The least weight of 100 seeds 31.09 g and 32.99 g, respectively was recorded from Extra Early maize. Comparing the maize grain yield, the result indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in both cropping seasons. FARZ 32 had the highest grain yield, 4.37 and 4.30 tonnes per hectare in 2015 and 2016 in both cropping seasons. Oba super 2 had 4.30 and 4.20 tonnes per hectare in 2015 and 2016. The local cultivar Uweb had 2.49 and 2.59 tonnes per hectare grain yield in both years. The least grain yield, 2.32 and 2.45 tonnes per hectare, respectively was from Extra early maize. Oba, Farz-32, Oba super 2 and Oba 98 were recommended to farmers in the study area.

Corn's multi-functionality as food, animal feed, and industrial raw material contributes to food security. Due to the infestation of the cob borer, maize yield frequently decreases. There have been reports of Helicoverpa armigera Hubner causing crop losses globally. The implementation of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy employs an ecological IPM concept, one of which is the development of healthy plants employing fertilizer and weeding. This study was conducted to assess the impact of fertilizer and weeding on corn cob borer (H. armigera Hubner). The study technique employed was a factorial randomized block design (RAK) with two variables. The first component, fertilization, had three levels: P0 (no fertilizer), P1 (Papua Nutrient fertilizer), and P2 (NPK fertilizer). The second aspect is weeding, which has three levels: G0 (daily weeding), G1 (weeding every 4 days), and G2 (8 days interval weeding). The results indicated that the interaction between fertilization and weeding had no significant impact on any of the observational variables. The effect of NPK fertilization on the weight parameters of fresh corn cobs with and without cobs was considerable.

Maize production has increasingly become strategic in Nigeria, facing food security challenges presently. Moving from net importer to sufficiency, creates need for urgent production expansion. A two year field experiment evaluated spatial dimensions and manuring rates effects on performance of sweet maize in the

Background: Maize is the most important staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, predominantly produced and consumed directly by the smallholder farmers. Insect pests are the serious pests causing yield loss of maize in field at different growth stages. Methods: The field survey was carried out during 2019-2020 crop growing season. Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the districts based on the potential producers of maize and a random sampling technique was used to select the kebeles and the stakeholders. Result: The major identified insect pests of maize in the two districts were grass hopper (Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus), maize leaf hopper (Cicadulin ambila), maize pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera, Etiella), maize stem borers (Chilopartellus Swinhoe), Hairy caterpillar (Amsacta albistriga Walker), Black cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagal), Maize leaf Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch), Army worm (Mythimna separata Walker), Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Pink stem borer (Sesamiain ferens Walker), Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddias), Chafer beetle (Chiloloba acuta Wiedmann), Shoot bug (Peregrinus maidis Ashamed), W hite grub (Holotrichia consanguinea) and shoot fly (Atherigona soccata).

Background: Maize is the most important staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, predominantly produced and consumed directly by the smallholder farmers. Insect pests are the serious pests causing yield loss of maize in field at different growth stages. Methods: The field survey was carried out during 2019-2020 crop growing season. Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the districts based on the potential producers of maize and a random sampling technique was used to select the kebeles and the stakeholders. Result: The major identified insect pests of maize in the two districts were grass hopper (Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus), maize leaf hopper (Cicadulin ambila), maize pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera, Etiella), maize stem borers (Chilopartellus Swinhoe), Hairy caterpillar (Amsacta albistriga Walker), Black cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagal), Maize leaf Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch), Army worm (Mythimna separata Walker), Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Pink stem borer (Sesamiain ferens Walker), Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddias), Chafer beetle (Chiloloba acuta Wiedmann), Shoot bug (Peregrinus maidis Ashamed), W hite grub (Holotrichia consanguinea) and shoot fly (Atherigona soccata).

The aim of present investigations was the increasing of knowledge of the cotton bollworm's (Helicoverpa armigera Hbn.) (CB) damages in the different breeding season corns. The damage examinations were made in a 29.2 hectares acreage between Igal and Kazsok villages (Somogy county) on the basis of the flight observation at the end of August 2008. We examined the measure of damages and yield losses based on the collected ears belonging to different breeding season corns (FAO 200-299, FAO 300-399, FAO 400-499, FAO 500-599). The relationship between the breeding season and the damages was examined by variance analysis (one-way anova). The collected samples were examined in analytic laboratory in order to calculate the quantitative alteration of the fundamental in-kernel air dry content values (raw protein, raw fat, starch). Our results proved the significant increasing of damage percentages (FAO 200-299: 8.66%; FAO 500-599: 15.33%), surface damages (cm 2) (P = 0.026) and the calculated weight loss of damaged ears (P=0.014) parallel with the increasing of the breeding season length. We confirmed the "forced maturing" in the case of the earlier hybrids in the consequence of the damage. We recorded a decreasing percentage (correlate to the draw matter) of the starch and the raw fat (average decreasing: starch: 1.72; raw fat: 0.26) as well as the increasing starch loss per one hectare, agreeing with the breeding season length increase (starch loss/one hectare: FAO 200-299: 1.54%; FAO 500-599: 2.72%). We observed the quantitative increasing of the raw protein as a function of CB's damage too, which can be explained by a physiological response to the biotic stress.

Background: Maize is the most important staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, predominantly produced and consumed directly by the smallholder farmers. Insect pests are the serious pests causing yield loss of maize in field at different growth stages. Methods: The field survey was carried out during 2019-2020 crop growing season. Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the districts based on the potential producers of maize and a random sampling technique was used to select the kebeles and the stakeholders. Result: The major identified insect pests of maize in the two districts were grass hopper (Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus), maize leaf hopper (Cicadulin ambila), maize pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera, Etiella), maize stem borers (Chilopartellus Swinhoe), Hairy caterpillar (Amsacta albistriga Walker), Black cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagal), Maize leaf Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch), Army worm (Mythimna separata Walker), Fall armyworm (Spodopte...

Good agronomic practice is a key to a successful crop production aiming at high yield and quality in small or large scale planting. Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Family Asteraceae) is a herbal plant rich in phytochemical compounds of wellbeing benefits to the consumers. Suitable and complete technology on agronomic practices such as cultivation technique, fertilization application, water requirement, weed control and pest and disease management of G. procumbens or locally known as Sambung Nyawa for the Malaysian environment can ensure quality product and high yield. This may attract local producers and smallholders to cultivate this medicinal plant commercially. Complete technology package documented for commercial planting of G. procumbens may encourage its planting which would ensure the sustainable supply of G. procumbens raw materials for the pharmaceutical and health industries. Suitable agronomic practices adopted contribute to sustainable commercial production of G. procum...

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABStRACt e recent Chinese government approval of transgenic phytase maize for eld experimentation is vital for its development of biotech maize for improved maize production. Phytase maize can potentially improve the e ciency of feed utilization by livestock and reduce environmental pollution from animal manure. Plant growth, phytochemistry, and economic characteristics of phytase maize were compared with non-transgenic maize in eld conditions. Population abundance and growth physiology of the maize borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) and the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) were investigated during maize growing season and grain storage period, respectively, to assess insect pests' occurrence and economic damage. Agronomic traits of phytase maize were generally superior to those of non-transgenic maize, but the yield of phytase maize was only 5.5% higher than that of non-transgenic maize. No signi cant di erence in population dynamics of the maize borer was observed between them, while phytase maize signi cantly enhanced pupal weight and female fecundity of the maize borer. e length of the maize borer feeding tunnels in the stems was signi cantly greater in phytase maize. Moreover, signi cant increases in adult weight and population abundance of the maize weevil resulted in additional 2.98% losses for transgenic grains compared with non-transgenic grains. Upon commercialization of transgenic maize in China, it will likely alter the arthropod population dynamics in the maize agroecosystem, increase plant susceptibility to lodging, and increase grain yield loss. Nevertheless, the increased insect-induced loss (~8%) in transgenic maize would likely be more than o set by enhanced phosphate utilization e ciency of livestock, when fed transgenic maize containing diet, and reduced environmental pollution from lower phosphate animal waste.

Growing herbs traditionally could not meet the increasing demand for high medicinal value herbs in the pharmaceutical industry and domestic market. One of the solutions is by growing herbs using vertical structures in urban areas. Even so, the amount of water needed to optimise the growth of Asian local perennial herbs in vertical structures is yet to be explored. Hence, this paper investigated the performance of a fuzzy based irrigation method in optimising irrigation for boosting the local perennial herb growth. The understudy local perennial herb is gynura procumbens. The decision-making for irrigation relies on the data given by soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors. The performance of the proposed system is compared with a timer-based system, in terms of plant growth rates, given by average leaves diameter, height, and plant crown of local perennial herbs. The results have shown that the proposed intelligent irrigation system has reduced water consumption by 16.93% and the average plant growth rate has increased by at least 1.5% and to a maximum rate of 76.64%.

Termite is one of the most important serious insect pests of maize facing severe problem in western part of Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of four different management practices, their combined and their integration. They were examined for evaluation of termite infestation season under maize growth stages in Assosa district of western Ethiopia from mid may 2015 to April 2016. The study was carried out under application of treatments consisted of chemical control (Malathion 50% E.C at rate of 2L/ha), botanical control (Echinops kebericho at rate of 3l/ha), cultural (ash at rate of 2.5kg/plot), and physical soil and water conservation (terrace 30cm in width*60cm in depth) and their integration and untreated control. The experiment was laid out by randomized complete block design with twelve treatments and three replications which is thirty six total observations. The germination emergency of the maize was registered 98.44% to 100% which showed ...

Background: Maize is an important crop for resource poor farmers across Africa and Asia. The crop is susceptible to weeds that severely reduce yields, because of their competition with the crop for moisture, nutrients, sunlight and space. Methods: A regression analysis was carried out to find the association between maize grain yields and weed dry matter production. The predicted values of total maize grain yield and weed dry matter production was obtained using the equation Y= a + b1 z + b2 z 2 , Y is maize grain yield/weed dry matter production and z is a function of time of weeding such that the slope is zero at z=0 (time of sowing) and z 2 = 12 (time of final harvest) b2 is the regression coefficients. Results: The result showed rapid growth of weeds between 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), while the initial period of weed competition with improved maize varieties lies between 3 and 6 WAS. The crops kept weed free initially for 20 and 42 days after sowing had yield reduction of about 65 and 50%, respectively. Plots infested for 63 and 84 days had an estimated yield loss of 88 and 93%. Initial weed infestation for 42, 60 and 91 days after sowing had yield reduction of 20, 30 and 60%. Conclusion: The most critical period of weed competition with the crop was between 6 and 9 WAS. Plots weeded subsequently after initial infestation of 70, 50 and 22 days after sowing had estimated 10, 20 and 50% reduction of weed growth respectively.

The study was carried out at Federal University Wukari,Taraba State ,Nigeria to evaluate the performance of sweet melon under three planting spacing. The three planting spacing are:25 x 25cm ,30 x 30cm and 50 x 50cm .The design of the experiment was randomized completely design with three replications. Data were collected on the growth and yield parameters and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of probability where the least significant difference was used to separate the means. The result showed that planting spacing influence the growth and yield parameters of sweet melon and spacing of 50 x 50cm gave significantly highest number of leaves at 4 and 6week after planting (WAP).Also the highest number of node was from planting spacing of 50 x 50cm at 8WAP.At 4 and 8WAP planting spacing of 50 x 50cm also produced the highest plant height while at 8 WAP spacing of 25 x 25cm gave the highest branch number. Fruit yield was significantly highest with the planting spacing of 50 x 50cm. It is therefore concluded that planting spacing of 50 x 50cm is adequate for sweet melon production in the study area.

Maize grain yield has a high potential and as planting late maturing cultivars is delayed for any reason, middle-aged maize cultivars can be used as an alternative plant. Observing planting date and plant density is very important in increasing maize yield. In 2019 in Koohdasht City, Iran, a statistical design of split plots was performed based on complete blocks with three replications.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of density (6, 7, 8 and 9 plants m-2) and planting date (6, 13 and 20 July) on grain yield and its components in single cross maize cultivar 550.  Planting dates were considered as main plots and planting densities were considered as sub-plots.  By increasing density, traits such as number of leaves per plant, number of leaves above maize, stem diameter, maize diameter, maize length, number of grains per row and 1000-grain weight decreased.  By delay in planting, plant height, number of leaves per plant, maize length, stem diameter, maize diameter, number of grains per row and 1000-grain weight decreased.  The highest grain yield (14.313 tons per hectare) was obtained from the first planting date (6 July) with a density of 9 plants m-2.  By elevating density, plant height, maize height, grain yield, biological yield and degree of fruiting increased and the number of rows per maize, number of grains per row, maize diameter, cob diameter, stem diameter and 1000-grain weight decreased.

Field experiment was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Uyo-Out station in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The aim  was  to evaluate the yields of seven maize varieties in humid rainforest of Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria in view of recommending high yield varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments were seven maize varieties viz- : Uwep (local). FARZ 32, Oba super 2, Oba 98 and suwan-I-SR, Quality protein maize (QPM) and extra-early. Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant mean were compared using least significant difference at p&lt;0.05. The result showed significant difference(p&lt;0.05) plant height. FAR 32 was the tallest at 9WAP (159.37 and 163.33 cm in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons, respectively) The shortest variety, 121.12 and 122.61 cm, respectively at 9WAP was recorded in QPM. The weight of grains varied significantly different. FARZ 32 had the h...

An extensive survey was conducted across the 13 states constituting the Sudan and Sahel savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria to determine the occurrence and distribution of sorghum downy mildew in sorghum during the 2008 growing season. The survey was conducted at two different stages of the crop development; seedling and dough stage. The first survey was in early July while the second was carried out in late September. Three farmers ’ fields were critically investigated at every stop on a road system. During the first survey, a total of 97 farmers ’ fields in 36 locations were investigated while 110 sorghum fields in 37 locations were visited in the second survey. Average incidence (%) of the disease was obtained from a sample of 100 plants selected using simple random sampling technique from each of the three farms visited per stop. Results of the survey (16.20 and 9.64 % and 3.28 and 1.16 % during the first and second visits in the Sudan and Sahel savanna AEZs respectively) i...

The first essential component of social and economic justice is adequate food production. Lack of this contributes to increased cases of malnutrition, hunger, and starvation, especially hidden in the developing countries. The food intake requirements of the majority of people in this area have fallen far below the international standard (Otaha, 2013). According to FAO (2010), food insecurity refers to the consequences of inadequate consumption of nutritious food, considering the physiological use of food by the body as being within the domain of nutrition and health. For preschool children, inadequate breast

Field experiment was conducted in the early and late planting season of 2009 and 2010 at Akampa and Bekwarra to evaluate the effects of carbofuran, a synthetic insecticide, Neem and Gmelina seed powder on maize agronomic characters in maize stem borer endermic zones. The treatments consisted of 2 levels carbofuran (1.0 and 1.5kga.i/ha) and 2 levels each of neem and Gmelina arborea seed powder (20 and 30kg/ha). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data collected included stem borer population per plant, plant heights at six (6) and eight (8) weeks after planting, and grain yield. Carbofuran and Neem seed powder significantly increased plant height and yield while Gmelina seed powder application significantly (P≤0.05) reduced maize growth and yield. The treatments significantly reduced borer population compared with control. It is possible that the neem powder at 30kg/ha may be used as a boost to maize development outside its insecticidal properties on maize used by resource poor farmers.

Growing herbs traditionally could not meet the increasing demand for high medicinal value herbs in the pharmaceutical industry and domestic market. One of the solutions is by growing herbs using vertical structures in urban areas. Even so, the amount of water needed to optimise the growth of Asian local perennial herbs in vertical structures is yet to be explored. Hence, this paper investigated the performance of a fuzzy based irrigation method in optimising irrigation for boosting the local perennial herb growth. The understudy local perennial herb is Gynura Procumbens. The decision-making for irrigation relies on the data given by soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors. The performance of the proposed system is compared with a timer-based system, in terms of plant growth rates, given by average leaves diameter, height, and plant crown of local perennial herbs. The results have shown that the proposed intelligent irrigation system has reduced water consumption by 16.93% a...

Maize streak disease (MSD) is one of the most destructive diseases of maize (Zea mays L.) estimated to cause a yield loss of about 20% in Ghana. Field experiment was conducted at Nkwanta in the Volta Region of Ghana during the cropping seasons of 2015 to assess the effects of tillage practices, fertilizer application and maize variety on the incidence and severity of MSD. The MSD severity was assessed using 1 to 5 visual scale (1=no symptom and 5= very severe symptom). The relationship between total N, available P and exchangeable K contents of soils and maize leaves sampled at silking stage and MSD incidence and severity were elucidated with Pearson correlation coefficients. Although symptoms were observed in both fertilized and non-fertilized plants, fertilizer addition effectively reduced the MSD impact on growth and yield. Incidence and severity of MSD under no-tillage system were significantly lower than under conventional tillage. Severe MSD, particularly, of plants on the plots with no added nutrients led to stunted growth and reduced grain yield. The severity of MSD correlated positively with maize leaf N content, while increasing leaf K content resulted in reduced MSD severity. It can therefore be concluded that tillage and plant nutrition affect the severity of MSD in tropical soil.

Field trial was conducted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 wet seasons, at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Samaru in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria to determine the effects of nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers on nitrogen uptake of quality protein maize (QPM) varieties. Treatments consisted of four (4) rates each of nitrogen (0, 60,120 and 180 kg N/ha) and sulfur fertilizer (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg S/ha) and two QPM varieties (Obatampa and EV-99), laid out in a split plot design with variety and nitrogen in the main plots and sulfur in the sub plots and replicated three times. The results show that varietal differences influenced soil and flag leaf nitrogen in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Nitrogen application did not affect nitrogen content in the soil at all the three years of the trial. However, Ear, Flag and Grain nitrogen content was affected by nitrogen application. Sulfur application influenced soil, ear leaf, flag leaf and grain nitrogen content in different years of the study.

Leaf meal (LM), leaf proteins concentrate (LPC) and LPC residues from Telfairia occidentalis were produced, chemically characterized and the protein quality of the LPC evaluated using rats. Five infant weaning foods were formulated using varying combinations of T. occidentalis LPC and soybean meal. These foods were compared with three coded commercial infant weaning foods (CFF, CFN and CFC) currently in trade in a 28-day performance study. Though fractionation increased crude protein in LPC by 34.8%, the amino acid values were in most cases lower than the FAO/WHO/UNU recommendation. Fractionation led to increase in the gross energy by 22.0% and decrease in the phytate and tannin contents by 60 and 81.3%, respectively in LPC. The LPC, when fed as sole protein source, led to weight loss in rats. The highest final weight was observed in rats fed 100% LPC + 0% soybean meal-based food (105.4 ± 16.4 g) and least in CFN (50.0 ± 4.2 g), a commercial food. The formulated foods had significan...

Environmental changes have led to cellular adjustment and adaptation in plant growth. External factors have, for example, influenced the growth pattern of Gynura procumbens plants and led to production of specific secondary metabolite internally for the purpose of differentiation and conditional interaction. These developmental patterns and production of metabolites are expressional characteristics of the plant, and so growers can have only a restricted range of movement or limited control over their reaction to environmental changes compared to their reaction to human or animal interactions. Even though metabolite production is pervasive among the plants, the need to explore abiotic control strategies for regulating the patterns of growth of Gynura procumbens as well as their accumulation of metabolites has been shown to be significant in recent studies of plant-abiotic interactions.

Field experiment was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Uyo-Out station in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The aim  was  to evaluate the yields of seven maize varieties in humid rainforest of Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria in view of recommending high yield varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments were seven maize varieties viz- : Uwep (local). FARZ 32, Oba super 2, Oba 98 and suwan-I-SR, Quality protein maize (QPM) and extra-early. Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant mean were compared using least significant difference at p&lt;0.05. The result showed significant difference(p&lt;0.05) plant height. FAR 32 was the tallest at 9WAP (159.37 and 163.33 cm in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons, respectively) The shortest variety, 121.12 and 122.61 cm, respectively at 9WAP was recorded in QPM. The weight of grains varied significantly different. FARZ 32 had the h...

Field trial was conducted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 wet seasons, at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Samaru in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria to determine the effects of nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers on nitrogen uptake of quality protein maize (QPM) varieties. Treatments consisted of four (4) rates each of nitrogen (0, 60,120 and 180 kg N/ha) and sulfur fertilizer (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg S/ha) and two QPM varieties (Obatampa and EV – 99), laid out in a split plot design with variety and nitrogen in the main plots and sulfur in the sub plots and replicated three times. The results show that varietal differences influenced soil and flag leaf nitrogen in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Nitrogen application did not affect nitrogen content in the soil at all the three years of the trial. However, Ear, Flag and Grain nitrogen content was affected by nitrogen application. Sulfur application influenced soil, ear leaf, flag leaf and grain nitrogen content in different years of th...

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield and yield components of QPM genotypes to plant population under irrigated conditions in a semi arid ecology of Northern Nigeria. Field trials were conducted at the Irrigation Research Station, Institute for Agricultural Research, Kadawa (11° 39′N, 08° 20′E) and 500 m above sea level) during dry seasons 2007, 2008 and 2009 to study the effect of (Zea mays L.) genotypes (TZE-W Pop X 1368, EV-DT W99 STR and DMR-ESRW), four plant population (33333, 44444, 55555 and 66666 plants ha-1) and three irrigation scheduling (40, 60 and 80 centibars soil moisture tension) on the growth and yield of quality protein maize. A split plot design was used with combinations of genotypes and irrigation regimes assigned to the main plot and plant population assigned to the sub-plot. The treatments were replicated three times. The study revealed that genotype EV-DT W99 STR had significantly higher weight of ears per plant, cob length, cob diameter, number of rows per cob, 100 grain weight, grain yield, shelling percentage and harvest index than the other two genotypes used in the trial. Irrigating at 40 and 60 centibars significantly increased weight of ears per plant, while delayed irrigation significantly depressed total dry matter production. Based on the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the use of genotype EV-DT W99 STR, at 60 centibars irrigation scheduling and population of 55,555 plants ha-1 had resulted in good agro-physiological characters of QPM at Kadawa.

From the hands of Olmec, Maya including Inca from whom Corn evolved to all parts of the globe, maize has provided Man with Nutritive, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Domestic, Economic including Research values. Corn stands at the center of Mankind, providing Humanity with raw materials for further survival and development. As the need for corn doubles, and as science further widens knowledge on the use/utilization of the crop, creating more avenue and approaches where corn grains, leaves, silk, stem, root and other parts of the plant can be transformed into countless products, then the need to devote more hectares of land to Corn production becomes imperative. Corn has been shown to have the potential to be used in combating global food insecurity, as an indicator-crop for soil fertility assessment and as a commercial cash crop for income generation. Production of Corn has reduce poverty rate and raise standard of living of farmers, especially in the poor/developing countries.

Lately, genetic factor involvement in climate change response is of great importance. Addressing some issues regarding the behavior of agronomic characters of production in a set of hybrids may lead to recommendations on the choice of the most suitable hybrids for growing in Transylvanian Plateau. Thus, in 2016, we set up an experience in two locations of Cluj county, Turda and Viişoara, on the lower terrace of Arieş river. Biological material chosen for this study was represented by seven hybrids, of which six indigenous Prima, Estival, Estival M, Dulcin, Deliciul Verii (released by SCDA Turda), Delicios (INCDA Fundulea) and foreign hybrid Jubilee (produced by Syngenta). The earliest hybrids Prima and Estival, have the lowest average number of grains/row, with very significant differences compared to control (experience average). Estival, Estival M and Jubilee hybrids show the highest number of rows of grains/cobs, with very significant differences over the average.

Experiments were conducted during the normal cultivation season of 2006, 2007 and 2008 at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) farm, Samaru, in the northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria to evaluate the responses of quality protein maize (QPM) varieties to applied nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers. The treatments consisted of two quality protein maize varieties (Obatanpa and EV-99), four rates of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha) and four rates of sulfur (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg S/ha) fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with variety and nitrogen in the main plot and sulfur in the sub-plot and replicated three times. The results indicate that uptake of N and S was significantly influenced by interaction between variety and nitrogen. Obatanpa variety was more responsive to the effect of interaction between variety and nitrogen than EV-99 variety. The interaction effect was independent of variety or nitrogen rate. It was concluded that QPM variety and nitr...

Environmental changes have led to cellular adjustment and adaptation in plant growth. External factors have, for example, influenced the growth pattern of Gynura procumbens plants and led to production of specific secondary metabolite internally for the purpose of differentiation and conditional interaction. These developmental patterns and production of metabolites are expressional characteristics of the plant, and so growers can have only a restricted range of movement or limited control over their reaction to environmental changes compared to their reaction to human or animal interactions. Even though metabolite production is pervasive among the plants, the need to explore abiotic control strategies for regulating the patterns of growth of Gynura procumbens as well as their accumulation of metabolites has been shown to be significant in recent studies of plant-abiotic interactions.

Modern sweet corn is distinguished from other vegetable corns by the presence of one or more recessive alleles within the maize endosperm starch synthesis pathway. This results in reduced starch content and increased sugar concentration when consumed fresh. Fresh sweet corn originated in the USA and has since been introduced in countries around the World with increasing popularity as a favored vegetable choice. Several reviews have been published recently on endosperm genetics, breeding, and physiology that focus on the basic biology and uses in the US. However, new questions concerning sustainability, environmental care, and climate change, along with the introduction of sweet corn in other countries have produced a variety of new uses and research activities. This review is a summary of the sweet corn research published during the five years preceding 2021.

1 Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Biology Department, Faculty Sciences and Technology,Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia 2 Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty Sciences and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia 3 Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, PGRI Adi Buana University, Surabaya, Indonesia . *Correspondence: wulanmanuhara@gmail.com Accepted: 10 Sep. 2017 Published online: 10 Dec. 2017

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important grain crop of the world and it ranks second, after wheat in hectarage and first in total production and productivity. In Ethiopia, maize has increasingly become a popular crop with steady growth in production area and yield. However, green cob maize production packages, including its appropriate spacing, are not yet determined. Evidences on effects of inter and intra-row spacing on growth and green cob yield of maize are not well explored. Therefore, this study was conducted at Agarfa from March 2015 to July 2015 to determine the effects of inter-and intra-row spacing on growth, green cob number and biomass yield of maize (Zea mays L) varieties under supplemental irrigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial combination of four inter-row (55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm) spacing, two intra-row spacing (25 cm and 30 cm) and two maize varieties (Melkassa-II and BHQPY-545) with three replication. Data were collected on growth, green cob number and biomass yield and analyzed using GenStat, (2012) The experiment result revealed that leaf area and number of cobs per plant were highly significantly (P<0.01) affected by inter-row spacing x variety while cob length, number of cobs per hectare and above ground fresh biomass yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected by inter-row spacing x variety. The highest cob number (65232.32 ha-1) was recorded for variety BHQPY-545 and (61739.39 ha-1) for variety Melkassa-II at narrowest inter-row spacing of 55 cm (Table 5). Similarly, the highest fresh biomass yield of 51.3 and 48 ton ha-1 was obtained from variety BHQPY-545 and Melkassa-II respectively at 55 cm inter-row spacing. In general, significantly higher number of marketable green cobs and aboveground fresh biomass yield were obtained at closer inter-and intra-row spacing for maize varieties tested in the study area. Therefore, it can be concluded that spacing combination of 55 cm x 25 cm favored attaining of higher economic returns, green cob number and fresh biomass yield of maize in the area under supplemental irrigation.

From the hands of Olmec, Maya including Inca from whom Corn evolved to all parts of the globe, maize has provided Man with Nutritive, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Domestic, Economic including Research values. Corn stands at the center of Mankind, providing Humanity with raw materials for further survival and development. As the need for corn doubles, and as science further widens knowledge on the use/utilization of the crop, creating more avenue and approaches where corn grains, leaves, silk, stem, root and other parts of the plant can be transformed into countless products, then the need to devote more hectares of land to Corn production becomes imperative. Corn has been shown to have the potential to be used in combating global food insecurity, as an indicator-crop for soil fertility assessment and as a commercial cash crop for income generation. Production of Corn has reduce poverty rate and raise standard of living of farmers, especially in the poor/developing countries.

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are secondary metabolite compositions of the Gynura procumbens plant. Limited amounts of these secondary metabolites in nature limit their potential as raw material for pharmaceutical drugs. Hence, the optimization of adventitious root culture in vitro should be used as an alternative to producing these compounds. Under optimal culture conditions, the target secondary metabolites can be significantly increased. In this work, we determined the optimum aeration volume and inoculum density on growth and secondary metabolite production of Gynura procumbens adventitious roots in a laboratory-scale bioreactor. The adventitious roots were cultured in a 2 L liquid MS in a 3 L capacity Balloon-Type Bubble Bioreactor (BTBB). The 3 g/L adventitious roots were cultured in 4 variations of aeration volume treatment. The best aeration treatment is 0.15 vvm were used in 4 variations of the inoculum density treatment. The highest biomass (75.38 ± 0.95 g/L), total ph...

The effect of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky 1855) infestation was evaluated on three pastas under laboratory conditions of 32±2 ° C temperature and 67±3% relative humidity. Macaroni suffered the highest quantitative loss with the highest number (62) of emerged adults at 2 months after infestation (MAI). However, the highest number (90) of insect at 4 MAI seen in spaghetti was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher than 29 observed in noodles. Macaroni had the significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowest final weight (13 g) at 4 MAI. Proximate analysis at 4 MAI revealed that noodles had the highest carbohydrate, dry matter, fibre, crude fat and ash which were significantly higher (P&lt;0.0001) than spaghetti and macaroni. Spaghetti had the highest crude protein which was significantly higher (P&lt;0.0001) than noodles and macaroni. The population of S. zeamais at 2 MAI was negatively correlated (r=-0.999, P=0.022) with the final crude fat and positively correlated (r=1.00, P=0.018) wit...

A field experiment was conducted during two successive rainy seasons (2002/03 and 2003/04) at two locations (Kadugli and Korgol) in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, to evaluate eight maize varieties. Two local varieties (Dalanj and Kadugli) and six introduced varieties (Hudeiba I, Hudeiba II, Mugtama 45, Pannar 6804, Pannar 6568 and 113). A randomized complete block design in four replications was used. The results showed that, Variety 113 reached 50% tasselling earlier. Pannar 6568 was the tallest, Variety Hudeiba II scored the highest number of ears, number of rows per ear, ears weight and grain yield, whereas, the local variety Kadugli recorded the least grains number and the least grain yield. Positive correlation observed between grain yield and plant height, number of ears, number of seeds per ear and ears weight. Significant differences of grain yield were observed among varieties and locations. A cross locations and seasons, the variety Hudeiba II scored the highest grain yield.

Gorontalo is among the coastal areas in Tomini bay with diverse varieties of local maize. Despite that, the population of local maize has seen a steady decline over the years. A literature study reports that local maize has adapted well to the environment in which it grows. Local maize is also hailed by the commu nity as a source of food, animal feed, and the main ingredient of traditional medicines. The present study aims to investigate the morphological characteristics and nutritional value of binthe kiki local maize variety. Employing a quantitative descriptive method, the data of morphological characteristics were collected by referring to the maize descriptor guidelines, while the data of the nutritional value of maize kernels (regarding the proximate and mineral contents) were analyzed by referring to the Indonesian National Standard and Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) standards. The findings show that the morphological characteristics of binthe kiki variety are as follows: (i) an average plant height of 161 cm; (ii) each stalk has three cobs with an average height of 119 cm; (iii) an average stalk circumference of 6.35 cm; (iv) an average of 12 leaves per stalk; (v) 71.12 cm of an average length of leaves; (vi) 5.21 cm of an average width of leaves; (vii) the direction of the leaf blade, on average, is slightly curved; (viii) the average leaf tip is pointed; (ix) an average cob length of 8.4 cm; (x) an average cob diameter of 2.74 cm; (xi) an average cob weight (without husk) of 0.054 kg/cob; (xii) an average of 24 kernels per row; (xiii) an average weight per 1000 kernels of 145 gram. Binthe kiki variety has high contents of protein, carbohydrate, zinc, and calcium, yet it is low in fat contents compared to other varieties.

Environmental changes have led to cellular adjustment and adaptation in plant growth. External factors have, for example, influenced the growth pattern of Gynura procumbens plants and led to production of specific secondary metabolite internally for the purpose of differentiation and conditional interaction. These developmental patterns and production of metabolites are expressional characteristics of the plant, and so growers can have only a restricted range of movement or limited control over their reaction to environmental changes compared to their reaction to human or animal interactions. Even though metabolite production is pervasive among the plants, the need to explore abiotic control strategies for regulating the patterns of growth of Gynura procumbens as well as their accumulation of metabolites has been shown to be significant in recent studies of plant-abiotic interactions.

Background: Maize is an important crop for resource poor farmers across Africa and Asia. The crop is susceptible to weeds that severely reduce yields, because of their competition with the crop for moisture, nutrients, sunlight and space. Methods: A regression analysis was carried out to find the association between maize grain yields and weed dry matter production. The predicted values of total maize grain yield and weed dry matter production was obtained using the equation Y= a + b1 z + b2 z 2 , Y is maize grain yield/weed dry matter production and z is a function of time of weeding such that the slope is zero at z=0 (time of sowing) and z 2 = 12 (time of final harvest) b2 is the regression coefficients. Results: The result showed rapid growth of weeds between 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), while the initial period of weed competition with improved maize varieties lies between 3 and 6 WAS. The crops kept weed free initially for 20 and 42 days after sowing had yield reduction of about 65 and 50%, respectively. Plots infested for 63 and 84 days had an estimated yield loss of 88 and 93%. Initial weed infestation for 42, 60 and 91 days after sowing had yield reduction of 20, 30 and 60%. Conclusion: The most critical period of weed competition with the crop was between 6 and 9 WAS. Plots weeded subsequently after initial infestation of 70, 50 and 22 days after sowing had estimated 10, 20 and 50% reduction of weed growth respectively.

G. procumbens is an herbaceous medicinal plant. Despite the progressive reports on the potential pharmacological properties, many are overlooking at the importance of its agronomic requirements, especially in fertilization to produce high yields which have not been conclusively concluded. This study was carried out to examine the effects of nitrogen on growth quality. In this study of two factors, harvesting times and rate of nitrogen, a total of 12 combined treatments replicated three times with 108 plants were laid out according to randomized complete block design. Growth attributes were recorded in three harvests of triplicate samples to exhibit the trend for plant growth and quality, and statistically analysed. Nitrogen affected plant growth significantly (p≤0.05) with stronger effect on physiological attributes (p≤0.01). The results suggested that 0 nitrogen kg/ha at Week 12 and 90 nitrogen kg/ha at Week 4 is highly and least, respectively affected the morphology and physiology of G. procumbens. These attributes are controlled by the availability of usable nitrogen and agronomic management because nitrogen is needed in optimum quantity and must be in balance with other nutrients to achieve its maximum yield potential.

G. procumbens is an herbaceous medicinal plant. Despite the progressive reports on the potential pharmacological properties, many are overlooking at the importance of its agronomic requirements, especially in fertilization to produce high yields which have not been conclusively concluded. This study was carried out to examine the effects of nitrogen on growth quality. In this study of two factors, harvesting times and rate of nitrogen, a total of 12 combined treatments replicated three times with 108 plants were laid out according to randomized complete block design. Growth attributes were recorded in three harvests of triplicate samples to exhibit the trend for plant growth and quality, and statistically analysed. Nitrogen affected plant growth significantly (p≤0.05) with stronger effect on physiological attributes (p≤0.01). The results suggested that 0 nitrogen kg/ha at Week 12 and 90 nitrogen kg/ha at Week 4 is highly and least, respectively affected the morphology and physiology of G. procumbens. These attributes are controlled by the availability of usable nitrogen and agronomic management because nitrogen is needed in optimum quantity and must be in balance with other nutrients to achieve its maximum yield potential.

The experiment was performed to determine the variety that can resist infestation of earworm
(Helicoverpa zea) which included four maize varieties such as Across98, NoMa1212, Oba
superII and Landrace. The treatments were fitted into completely randomized design (CRD).
During the experiment, all the data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA)
using the SAS institute (2002-2003) version 9.1 with compatibility of 32 byte operating
system.The parameters which includes cob number, damage and grain weight were analyzed and
the result showed that effect of earworm infestation varies among the four maize varieties on
number of cob, damage, and grain weight with Across98 having less effect on damage, and
higher number of grain weight and cob number was recorded in Across98 and consequently,
Landrace and NoMa1212 were noted to have greater effect on damage and less number of cob.

The larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is the most damaging insect pest of maize, an important staple food crop for people living in sub-Saharan Africa. A laboratory assessment was conducted to evaluate the performance of P. truncatus originating from three geographical locations in Nigeria and one from Ghana on ten maize varieties in no-choice and choice test. Performance assessment of the strain in no-choice test was based on adult mortality, F1 adults, population density, body weight and size of F 1 adults, developmental period, weight loss and damage. These parameters were significantly correlated with each other using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Adult survival and subsequent damage was poorer on some varieties of maize. The extent of damage, loss and dust produced were significantly different (P<0.05) among the maize varieties. The order of the weight loss recorded for these varieties was Yellow Mangu Jos > Acr.91-SUWAN-1SRC 1 > Western yellow > Oba Super I > Oba Super II > Yellow Popcorn > TZESR-W> Acr.89-DMR-ESR-W and Acr.97-TZL > BR 9928-DWR-SR-Y. P. truncatus from different geographical locations differed in some ways and their overall responses and performance on the different maize varieties were different although not significant (P> 0.05) in both choice and no-choice test. The developmental period of the Ibadan strain on the highly susceptible Yellow Mangu Jos was lowest (40.0+0.6 days) followed closely by the Enugu strain (40.7+0.7 days). P. truncatus from Benue and Ghana had longer mean developmental periods on the same variety, 45.3+0.3 and 47.0+0.0 days respectively.