Ife Journal of Agriculture

INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AMONG SPICES PRODUCER-GATHERERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

O. M ADEWALE, C. A AKINPELU , T.A FARIYIKE , M.O ADEBISI , J.O OLADEJI — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding life satisfaction across populations is imperative in the well-being of nations, as people who are satisfied with their lives are often positive about life, live longer, happier, and fulfilled lives. Empirical discussions over time have emphasized the significant influence of income and income groups on the life satisfaction of individuals. This study, however, aimed at ascertaining the influence of occupation on the life satisfaction of rural households. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 78 spice producer-gatherers in Imo state, Nigeria, whose occupation is cultivating and gathering spices. The study revealed that a large proportion of respondents were male (51.3%), married (59.0%), educated (78.3%), and had a large household size (56.8%). The study revealed that hot pepper and ginger were largely produced, while Alligator pepper and Ethiopian pepper were predominantly gathered in the state. The majority, 84.6% and 79.5% of respondents, were satisfied with the relationship with their children and with their social relationships, respectively. Also, 48.2% and 47.4% of respondents respectively disagreed with having all the important things they want in life and changing almost nothing about their lives. The majority (61.5%) showed a high level of satisfaction with life, with a mean score of 27.8 (SD = 7.2). Marital status, education, and participation in social organizations influenced the life-satisfaction of spice producer-gatherers as significant relationships were revealed (χ²=2.636; χ²=6.777 and r=0.224, p<0.05). Education should be encouraged among rural households, as well as participation in social organizations, as activities and interactions in these organizations influence life satisfaction and enhance household wellbeing.

CHALLENGES TO INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE CITRUS PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a global practice aimed at achieving optimum plant nutrient supply for sustaining crop productivity in a holistic manner. It also aims at assuring higher yields, improved soil health, and sustainable environments. However, INM is not yet a popular practice among Nigerian farmers, particularly citrus producers, as they mostly rely on native soil nutrients, which result in yields that are below the optimum level and world average. The study therefore ascertained challenges associated with integrated fertilizer nutrient sources used among citrus farmers in the south-west zone of Nigeria. A questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were used to collect data from eighty respondents, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of respondents were male (78.8%), married (100%), within 31-50 years (60.0%), and the majority (73.8%) had a primary education. One third (33.75%) had between 10-20 years’ experience, and only 3.75% cultivated citrus using budded seedlings; the majority (83.75%) did not apply fertilizers on their citrus farms, and only very few (14.8%) were aware of integrated nutrient fertilizer use. Pest and disease infestation (85.2%), fluctuating weather conditions (77.8%), grazing animals (59.3%), and inadequate extension contact (48.1%) were the most predominant constraints to citrus production. Awareness and capacity building of citrus farmers should be provided by relevant stakeholders to promote the potentialities of integrated nutrient management for sustainable and profitable citrus production

DIETARY SUBSTITUTION OF DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED PLANTAIN (Musa paradisiaca) PEELS FOR MAIZE ENHANCED GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED UTILIZATION, BODY COMPOSITION, AND SURVIVAL IN Clarias gariepinus FINGERLINGS

S. A ADESINA, O. O LOTO, B. O LAWANI — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to appraise the effect of substituting differently processed plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels for maize on the growth response, feed utilization, body composition, and survival in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Soaked Plantain Peel Meal (SPPM), Boiled Plantain Peel Meal (BPPM), and Oven-dried Plantain Peel Meal (OPPM) were substituted for maize. Four isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein) were formulated with SPPM, BPPM, and OPPM, each substituted for maize, while the fourth diet (tagged control treatment) was without plantain peel meal. The diets were administered twice daily (07:00 - 08:00 AM and 4:00 - 5:00 PM) at 5% of body weight to 15 fingerlings randomly stocked in each of 12 glass tanks for eight weeks. Diets and fish samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Data on Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p = 0.05. Post-experimental fish carcass crude protein significantly (p<0.05) surpassed the initial value in the pre-experimental fish. The best MWG, SGR, and FCR were obtained for fingerlings fed with a boiled plantain peel meal-supplemented diet, and the least MWG, SGR, and FCR were observed in those placed on the control diet. Fish percentage survival was fairly high in both the test treatments and the control treatment. This study revealed that differently processed plantain peel meals enhanced fish growth, and boiled plantain peel meal produced the best growth and feed utilization in C. gariepinus fingerlings.

CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF YELLOW CASSMOI AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN TELEMU COMMUNITY OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

P.K ALAGBO, F.O. SAMUEL — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Micronutrient deficiency affects mostly the vulnerable group. Millions of Nigerians are present with a low level of vitamin A. To address this situation, staple foods have been biofortified. Moi- moi is made from cowpea, and it is a common food in Nigeria. This study determined the knowledge, perception, and acceptability of yellow cassava and yellow cassmoi among women of reproductive age. The study was cross-sectional and descriptive in design. Cassmoi is a formulation of Harvest Plus. A total of 50 women were selected for sensory evaluation to determine consumer acceptability using a 5-point hedonic scale; 15 participated in the focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were used, and all relevant data from focus group discussions were presented thematically. Up to 98% accepted the appearance and the aroma. The texture was scored highest (100%) by the respondent. Most (82%) of the respondents preferred cassmoi over conventional bean pudding. There was adequate knowledge of yellow cassava and its products; all (100%) respondents were also willing to utilize yellow cassava often. There were health benefits from yellow cassava as perceived by the respondents, which varied from improved eyesight, improved skin colour, and intellectual capability to the acclaimed improvement of high blood pressure. There was an overall acceptance of the cassmoi as it was preferred to the conventional bean pudding. Many health benefits perceived served as an encouragement to continually consume yellow cassava products.

SUSPECTED PASTEURELLOSIS OUTBREAK IN A RABBIT BREEDING UNIT: A CASE REPORT *OYEBANJI, B. O. AND ADEYEMI, A.

B. O OYEBANJI, A. ADEYEMI — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This case report describes an outbreak of high morbidity and mortality in a rabbit breeding unit in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Affected rabbits presented with respiratory signs, reproductive failures, and systemic illness. Necropsy of one rabbit that died in transit revealed severe tracheitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, gastritis, and chronic fibrinous peritonitis. Cytology of lung and heart blood smears showed short bipolar rods suggestive of Pasteurella multocida, supporting a tentative diagnosis of pasteurellosis (“snuffles”) complicated by colibacillosis. Enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg PO (orally) for three weeks with multivitamins (1 ml per 10 kg of live body weight I/m. V-Multinor, Jubaili Agrotec Group) was administered to the remaining adult rabbits. Pregnancy and changes in environmental temperature were suspected to be the stressors in this case. Hence, feeding schedules should be adjusted (feeding the animals in the morning when the temperature is cool and consistently refreshing the water during the day), and breeding practices should be modified to mitigate heat-related and breeding stressors. This case highlights the significance of respiratory and systemic bacterial infections in rabbit production and the need for ensuring biosecurity, disease surveillance, and breeding management practices.

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL ERODIBILITY ESTIMATORS ON SELECTED SOIL TYPES IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

A. O ADELANA, K. S ARE — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Soil erosion is a major threat to food security and agricultural development at local, national, and international levels. Various soil erosion models have been developed globally to address erosion issues and safeguard soil resources. Studies in southern Nigeria have demonstrated the use of these models and GIS for estimating soil erodibility and mapping erosion hazards. Empirical models have also enhanced soil erodibility assessments, aiding sustainable land management in the region. Soil erodibility, represented by the K-factor, is a crucial parameter for assessing soil vulnerability to water erosion and predicting erosion rates. Therefore, this study used a literature survey to compute soil erodibility data from 24 natural runoff plots in southern Nigeria from 1975 to 2023 to evaluate the accuracy of K-factor estimates by the Soil Erodibility Nomograph (Nomo), Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC), and Geometric Mean Particle Diameter (Dg) models on Alfisols and Ultisols. The models' performance was assessed using metrics such as Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), percentage bias, coefficient of determination (R²), and the p-value from the Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed that field-measured values ranged from 0.007 to 0.108 Mg h MJ^-1 mm^-1. The nomograph overestimated the K-factor by 14.1%, while EPIC and Dg underestimated it by 80.1% and 82.8% respectively. The nomograph model performed best for Ultisols (R² = 0.75, NSE = 0.56) and to a lesser extent for Alfisols (R² = 0.45, NSE = 0.40). To develop new empirical equations for predicting soil erodibility from soil data in southern Nigeria, where natural runoff plots are unavailable, a significant non-linear regression analysis is required between field-measured and predicted K-factors.

NODULATION EFFICIENCY AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

A.S. OLADEJO, C.T ATERE, O.M OSUNDE, A.F SANWO, O.E ADEGBAJU — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There is limited information on the genetic variability and relationship between nodulation traits and yield components in cowpea. This study aimed to examine the genetic variability, nexus between nodulation parameters and key yield components; identify important traits for selection in developing high-yielding cowpea varieties with efficient nodulation, and varieties that combine both high grain yield and high relative nodulation efficiency (RNE). Fifty cowpea varieties were evaluated using a randomised complete block design in three replications. The experiment was conducted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data were collected on agronomic traits, grain yield, and nodulation parameters. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships among these traits. Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare means at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed significant variability among germplasm and correlations between some nodulation parameters and yield traits. Root dry weight was positively correlated with pod length and grain yield. Root fresh weight also showed a significant correlation with grain yield. Shoot dry weight correlated positively with the number of peduncles. It was inferred that there existed wide variability among the germplasm, a strong association between grain yield and RNE; and root and shoot biomass, nodule dry weight and pod length are major traits to be considered for selection in developing high-yielding cowpea with high RNE. Ife Brown, IT10K-817-7, and Oloyin were found to combine high grain yield with high RNE.

EFFECT OF BLANCHING ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL FLAVONOIDS AND PHENOLICS OF TWO UNDERUTILISED TRADITIONAL GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES IN NIGERIA: PIPER UMBELLATUM AND SOLANUM MACROCARPON

S. I EJOH S. I, M. O AJIBOYE , M. O OGUNKUNLE — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The effect of blanching on the antioxidant activity, total flavonoid, and phenolic composition in the edible portions of Piper umbellatum and Solanum macrocarpon leaves was investigated. Edible portions of each vegetable were divided into two 450g groups: one portion was blanched for 5 minutes, while the other was unblanched. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay, total flavonoids and total phenols were determined using aluminum chloride and Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric methods, respectively. Blanching led to a marginal increase in the total phenolic content of S. macrocarpon leaves (0.06% (p>0.05)), from 159.3 ± 0.30 to 159.4 ± 0.29 GAE/100g. In contrast, total phenolic content in P. umbellatum was significantly reduced by 93.5% (p<0.00), from 158.5 ± 0.25 to 10.20 ± 0.33 GAE/100g. Total flavonoid content also decreased in both vegetables: a 26.4% loss (p<0.00) in S. macrocarpon (258.3 ± 6.24 to 190.0 ± 7.07 mg/100g) and a 4% loss in P. umbellatum (163.3 ± 6.24 to 156.70 ± 6.24 mg/100g). DPPH radical-scavenging activity modestly but significantly increased (p<0.05) in blanched samples: 1.6% for S. macrocarpon (61.4 ± 0.34 to 62.5 ± 0.09% inhibition) and 6.3% for P. umbellatum (59.5 ± 0.17 to 63.23 ± 0.25% inhibition). Blanching did not affect the phenolic content of S. macrocarpon but caused significant loss in P. umbellatum; it decreased the flavonoid content of the two vegetables but increased their antioxidant activity. Other factors responsible for the mixed trend observed need further investigation.