Ife Journal of Agriculture

RESPONSIVENESS OF POULTRY FARMERS TO PRODUCTION INFORMATION DISSEMINATED THROUGH RADIO PROGRAMMES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

LUKMAN ABIODUN OYEBODE — 2026-06-25

The study investigated poultry farmers’ responsiveness to production information disseminated through radio programmes in Ondo State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling procedure, a total of 126 farmers under the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Ondo State served as respondents. Data were collected through an interview schedule and analyzed using the mean and Pearson product-moment correlation. Cost-effectiveness ( 1.31) and convenience in accessing information ( 1.13) were reasons that motivated access to production information disseminated through radio programmes. Respondents were most responsive to poultry information on record keeping ( 1.19) and nutrition ( 1.09). Constraints associated with responsiveness to production information were a lack of power to charge the radio and other gadgets ( 1.31) and the general nature of the information disseminated ( 1.19). Improved productivity and income ( 1.31) and free access to expert advice ( 1.19) were prioritized as the benefits of responsiveness. A significant relationship existed between reasons that motivated poultry farmers to access production information (r = 0.635, p = 0.000), benefits of responsiveness to production information (r = 0.326, p = 0.002), and responsiveness to production information disseminated through radio programmes. The study recommends that extension practitioners sustain the dissemination of production information through radio programmes owing to the pronounced responsiveness by poultry farmers.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED VEGETABLES UNDER FOLIAR APPLICATION OF AN INTEGRATED BIOFERTILISER-BIOPESTICIDE AND AN INORGANIC FERTILISER

P. TUGUME — 2026-06-25

Vegetable production is hampered by declining soil fertility, increasing pest attacks, and over-reliance on costly inorganic fertilisers. While integrated biofertiliser–biopesticide products present a potential sustainable alternative, empirical evidence pertaining to their effectiveness is limited. The study tested three treatments (T0=unfertilised control, T1=Integrated biofertiliser-biopesticide, and T2=Inorganic fertiliser) on the growth and yield of eggplant, green pepper, and cabbage. The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicate blocks. Foliar application of fertilisers was done twice a week for 10 weeks, and plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit diameter, and diameter of cabbage head were monitored. Analysis of variance was carried out on data collected at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 using the model Value ~ Rep + Treatment, with 2 degrees of freedom each for Replication and Treatment, and 4 for Error. Trends across weeks were summarised graphically and quantified by quadratic regression. The integrated biofertiliser–biopesticide (T1) consistently produced the highest vegetative growth and reproductive performance across all three crops, outperforming inorganic fertiliser (T2) and unfertilised control (T0). The strongest effects were at week 10 for eggplant fruit diameter (F = 36.25, p = 0.003), green pepper fruit number (F = 18.20, p = 0.010), and green pepper plant height (F = 138.10, p = 0.0002).Quadratic regression identified three growth patterns: accelerating curves for delayed reproductive traits (fruit production), saturating curves for vegetative traits nearing maturity (plant height, leaf length, and branch number), and dome-shaped curves for cabbage leaf number, which peaked at weeks 6–7 before declining due to leaf senescence during head formation. This model outperformed the linear model, increasing the mean R² from 0.817 to 0.928 across 45 fits. Emergence of pests was noted in cabbages under T0 in weeks 8-10. Thus, the integrated biofertiliser-biopesticide can be a potential substitute for scarce, costly, and harmful inorganic fertilisers to boost vegetable productivity.

UTILISATION OF MOBILE PHONE APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNICATION AMONG MAIZE POST-HARVEST ACTORS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

T. F. OJO — 2026-06-25

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially mobile phone applications, are increasingly shaping communication and information exchange in agricultural value chains, including post-harvest activities. Despite these potentials, the extent of use among maize post-harvest actors (MPHAs) in Nigeria is not well studied. This study, therefore, investigated the utilization of mobile phone applications for communication among MPHAs in Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the types of applications used, assessed the level of usage, and examined the benefits derived from their usage. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents, and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that all respondents (100%) relied on phone calls and SMS for communication, with phone calls being the most frequently used ( = 2.72), followed by SMS ( = 2.36). Overall, the use of mobile applications was moderate, as reported by 61.3% of the respondents. The major benefits reported included improved dissemination and access to information on reducing post-harvest losses (100%) and increased profit (99.4%). Furthermore, years of formal education (r = 0.148) and income (r = 0.152) had significant relationships with the use of mobile phone applications. The study concluded that the MPHAs were making use of mobile phone applications at a moderate level. It is recommended that capacity-building programmes be implemented to enhance digital skills and promote effective utilization of mobile applications.

CONTENT ANALYSIS OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON OIL PALM PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING IN NIGERIA

T. F. OJO — 2026-06-25

YouTube has emerged as a vital platform for disseminating agricultural information, particularly on oil palm production and processing, a key economic activity in Nigeria. However, the content quality, presentation patterns, and audience engagement of such videos remain largely unexamined. This study specifically ascertained the metadata, described video characteristics, analyzed patterns of presentation, determined audience engagement levels, and examined the contents of the videos. A total of 152 YouTube videos were purposively sampled. Primary data on video metadata were collected by viewing the videos. Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test. The findings showed that private individuals (40.1%) and media houses (35.5%) were the dominant video sources. Most videos (79.6%) had descriptions and were uploaded recently (2019–2023). Over half (55.0%) focused on processing, 50.7% were meant for 1–7 minutes, and 57.9% contained mobilizing information. Video qualities were mainly 1080p (46.7%) and 720p (35.5%). Presentation patterns included training/demonstration (16.4%), news (14.9%), and documentary (12.2%). The mean views were 45,964.9, likes 302.7, subscribers 393,000.3, and comments 31.3. Major contents covered commercial production (13.8%), agronomic practices (12.3%), and modern palm oil processing (11.8%). Significant differences existed between recent and older videos in duration (t = 3.684, p ≤ 0.01), quality (t = 4.277, p ≤ 0.01), and presentation patterns (t = 1.994, p ≤ 0.05). YouTube provides varied, targeted agricultural information on oil palm that addresses specific audience needs and can serve as an effective alternative information source.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF BIO-ENRICHED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCE IN WEANER PIG DIET

S. T. OGUNDEJI — 2026-06-25

The trial assessed comparative utilisation and growth response of weaner pigs fed bio-enriched agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs) as a partial substitute for groundnut cake (GNC). Thirty-six weaner pigs, average weight 10.40±0.45kg (large white × Hampshire), were randomly allotted to 6 diets comprising six (6) animals each. Each animal serves as a replicate. Five test ingredients were enriched by mixing AIBPs (brewer's dried grains (BDG), palm kernel cake (PKC), rice bran (RB), wheat offal (WO), and corn bran (CB) with certified fresh bovine blood (BB) weight for weight and sundried for 4 days, and designated PKCBB, BDGBB, WOBB, RBBB, and CBBB, respectively. Six experimental diets were formed. Control diet contained 25% GNC, while PKCBB, BDGBB, WOBB, RBBB, and CBBB replaced 50% of GNC in diet 1. The experiment lasted for ten weeks. The apparent nutrient utilisation was carried out in the metabolic cage for 10days. Feed conversion ratio, Metabolizable energy, protein, and apparent nutrient utilisation showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Other growth response indices exhibited a similar trend (P > 0.05) despite variability in nutrient composition. Crude protein of BDGBB (30.48%) compared with GNC (32.75%). WOBB showed superior (P < 0.05) crude protein (87.16%) and nitrogen-free extract (91.25%) digestibility. The study concluded that GNC can be replaced with WOBB up to 50% in diets without compromising growth, nutrient digestibility, efficient use of resources, and environmental sustainability.

BODY TEMPERATURE AND BLOOD INDICES OF GROWING PIGS FED UNPEELED CASSAVA ROOT MEAL-BASED DIET: FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE

M. A. ADEYEMI — 2026-06-25

The study investigated the body temperature and blood indices of growing pigs fed a unpeeled cassava root meal-based diet from the farmers’ perspective. Eighteen crossbred (Large White x Hampshire) pigs with an average body weight of 20.30±0.30 kg were used for the experiment and arranged in a completely randomised design. Three experimental diets: control – T1 (100% maize-based), 50% and 100% replacement of maize with unpeeled cassava root meal-based diets were formulated and designated as T2 and T3, respectively, and were fed to the animals at 5% of their body weight. The body temperature measurement showed that rectal temperature had a direct relationship with ambient temperature. Dietary treatments had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the rectal temperature of growing pigs measured in the morning and evening. Also, dietary treatments influenced the rectal and scrotal temperatures of growing pigs. Pigs fed diet T1 had the highest rectal and scrotal temperatures (38.74°C and 33.80°C), while those fed diet T3 had the lowest values (38.10°C and 29.75°C), respectively. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the haemoglobin counts of the pigs fed the test diets. The white blood cell counts decreased significantly (p<0.05) across treatment groups from pigs fed control diet (T1, 11.20 x10⁹/L) to those fed unpeeled cassava root meal-based diets (T2, 10.50 x10⁹/L and T3, 10.09 x10⁹/L), respectively. Serum parameters (urea N, total protein, and cholesterol) decreased significantly (p<0.05) across treatment groups from pigs fed the control to those fed the UCRM diets. The majority (97.7% male and 88.6% female) of the pig farmers identified friends/fellow farmers and family members as the major sources of information on alternative feedstuffs, while interaction with extension agents was poor (11.1% male and 38.0% female) among farmers. It was concluded that sundried unpeeled cassava root meal can be incorporated into the diets of growing pigs without any deleterious effect on the body temperature and blood indices of pigs, but its dissemination to farmers could be hindered considerably if the existing weak research-extension-farmer linkage persists.

EFFECT OF SELECTED AROMATIC PLANT LEAVES ON THE SENSORY QUALITY OF THREE SMOKED-DRIED FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS, OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS, AND HETEROTIS NILOTICUS)

A.N. OLANREWAJU — 2026-06-25

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected aromatic plant leaves on the organoleptic properties of three smoked-dried freshwater fish species. Aromatic plant leaves, including neem (Azadirachta indica), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camadulensis), mango (Mangifera indica), and guava (Psidium guajava), were collected within Maiduguri town, while the fish species (Clarias gariepinus, Heterotis niloticus, and Oreochromis niloticus) were sourced from the Lake Chad basin. The eviscerated fish were pre-treated in a brine solution prior to smoking with the respective plant leaves, followed by sensory evaluation of the final smoked-dried products. Results showed that P. guajava leaves had a highly significant positive effect on the sensory taste score (4.80±0.41) of smoked C. gariepinus (P˂0.05). Similarly, the taste (4.53±0.74) and overall acceptability (3.93±0.46) scores of O. niloticus smoked with M. indica leaves were significantly higher than those of other treatments. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of all the tested plant leaves on the sensory quality of H. niloticus. Thus, P. guajava and M. indica leaves are recommended for processing C. gariepinus and O. niloticus, respectively, to enhance product flavor and overall consumer acceptability.

CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS FORMED FROM AMPHIBOLITE COMPLEX ROCKS ORIGIN IN IFE-ILESA AREA OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

S. A. MUDA — 2026-06-25

The study characterized and classified soils formed from amphibolite complex rocks in Ife–Ilesa area of Southwestern Nigeria, with the view to understanding the soil genesis and providing scientific basis for appropriate land-use planning, soil fertility management, and sustainable agricultural development. Ten soil profile pits were established on identified physiographic positions of a selected landscape. The profiles were described using the FAO guidelines, while genetic horizons were identified and sampled accordingly. The soil samples were analysed for some physical and chemical properties. The results showed that the soils were well-drained as indicated by their reddish-brown hues in the A-horizon and redder hues in the B- and C-horizons (2.5YR - 7.5R). It was observed that the soil texture for both topsoil and subsoil varied from sandy clay loam to clay reflecting the influence of parent material and topography. The soils were slightly acid to very strongly acid (pH (H₂O) = 6.50 - 4.75). The exchangeable bases ranged between 0.18 and 27.03 cmol₍₊₎kg^-1, while exchangeable acidity values varied between 0.45 and 1.90 cmol₍₊₎kg^-1. Effective cation exchange capacity values ranged between 1.16 and 28.13 cmol₍₊₎kg^-1. Base saturation, organic carbon, total nitrogen, amorphous iron (Fe_(o)) and aluminium (Al_(o)) values varied from 14.11% - 96%; 0% - 7.62%; 0.04% - 0.79%; 0.95% - 3.36% and 0% - 0.70% respectively, while the available phosphorus values varied between 3.88 and 38.89 mg kg^-1. In conclusion, the soils were classified as Ultisols and Alfisols according to USDA Soil Taxonomy. However, according to IUSS/WRB the soils were correlated as Leptosols, Ferralsols and Acrisols, while locally, the soils were classified under Itagumodi Association and they belonged to Owena series, Ibule series, Ijare series, Araromi series, Gambari series and Jago series respectively. Soil management practices such as liming and organic amendment should be encouraged for sustainable crop production.

EVALUATION OF NEWLY DEVELOPED FALL ARMYWORM [SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J. E. SMITH)] TOLERANT MAIZE FOR THE SOUTHERN ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Q. O. OLOYEDE-KAMIYO — 2026-06-25

Two newly developed fall armyworm (FAW) tolerant maize (white and yellow) were evaluated with the parents and two newly released FAW tolerant maize, under artificially-infested conditions to test their yield performance. The evaluation was conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria, in the early and late seasons of 2024. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replications. Data were collected on FAW severity on a rating scale of 1-9, and agronomic and yield parameters. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted using SAS. Average FAW severity and plant aspect rating were good (between 3 and 4) under artificially-infested conditions. Mean grain yield was better under non-infested conditions (3.88 t/ha) than under infested conditions (2.76 t/ha). Mean squares of environment were significant for most of the traits, while mean squares of variety were significant for ears per plant, cob length, and grain yield under infested conditions. The newly developed FAW-tolerant maize compared favourably with the released FAW-tolerant checks in terms of yield. Despite the reduction in plant height of the newly-developed FAW-tolerant white maize between week 3 and 6, and the increased FAW severity rating at 6 WAP, the genotype still performed comparably with the white check and yielded higher than the yellow check. The newly developed FAW-tolerant yellow maize (FAW-Y MS4) also yielded higher (3.01 t/ha) than the yellow check (1.15 t/ha) under infested conditions. The two newly developed FAW-tolerant maize are therefore good candidates for further testing in multi-location trials.

EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT STATUS OF SOILS OF OIL PALM PLANTATIONS IN ONDO, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

L. S. AYENI — 2026-06-25

In order to judiciously apply fertilizers for soil health management, there is a need to ensure that the adequate nutrient needs of the crop to be fertilized in order to avoid over- or under-application. Evaluation of the nutrient status of the soils of Adeyemi Federal University of Education Oil Palm Plantation, Ondo, Southwest Nigeria, was carried out in 2022. The whole farm was divided into sections A, B, C, D, E, and F. Thirty (30) soil samples were collected from the sites at 0-30 cm depth. The soil samples were bulked according to each section, air-dried, sieved through a 2 mm sieve, and analyzed for soil pH, OM, total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg. Others were Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn, and soil textural classes. The pH of the soils ranged between 5.25 and 5.65. Organic carbon ranged between 0.25 and 1.48%, with a mean value of 0.93%. The sites were deficient in total N, with a mean value of 0.08%, ranging from 0.04% to 0.11%. The trends of N status in the oil palm plantation soils were 0.11, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, and 0.04% for sites E, A, C, F, B, and D, respectively. The order of available P ranged between 5.94 mg kg^-1 and 11.46 mg kg^-1 with a mean value of 8.52 mg kg^-1. Exchangeable K varied from 0.08 – 0.14 cmol kg^-1 with a mean value of 0.12 cmol kg^-1. The Mg status of the oil palm plantation varied from 0.25 to 0.78 cmol kg^-1 with a mean value of 0.47 cmol kg^-1. Available Ca concentration in the soil varied from 4.15 to 7.71 cmol kg^-1. The organic matter and ECEC were low, while the iron concentration ranged between 3.9 and 22.30 mg kg^-1. Sites A and E were too high in Cu and do not require any Cu fertilizer, likewise Fe and Zn.