Browsing by Author "Etejere, E. O."
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Item Biological productivity and composition of groundnut in relation to seed size(Environmental and Experimental Biology, 2016) Olayinka, B. U.; Owodeyi, S. O.; Etejere, E. O.A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed size on seedling emergence, biological yield and proximate composition of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Matured seeds were graded into three different seed sizes with respect to length. The large seeds were 1.3 to 1.5 cm, medium seeds 1.1 to 1.25 cm and small seeds were equal to or less than 0.83 cm in legth. At 10 days after planting, large and medium seed sizes had higher percentage emergence, 54 and 42%, respectively, when compared with small size seeds with 10% emergence. Growth characteristics such as plant height and number of leaves were higher in plants from relatively larger seeds at various crop stages. Groundnut plants grown from large seed reached their 50% flowering 3 to 5 days earlier than plants grown from medium and small seed sizes. The results of yield components (seed yield and harvest index) followed a similar pattern to that of growth characters. Composition of the seeds of plants grown from large seeds showed significantly higher moisture (6.82%) ash (2.72%), fibre (4.66%) and carbohydrate content (10.42%) when compared to seeds harvested from plants established from other seed sizes. Seeds of plants grown from seeds with small size had significantly higher protein (30.11%) and fat (49.10%) when compared to seeds harvested from plants grown from medium and large seeds. The results of this study revealed that large seed size is associated with improved growth and seed yield with high ercontents of ash, fibre and carbohydrates, but with lower protein and fat.Item Bioproductivity and grain quality of two cowpea varieties in relation to frequency of hand weeding(Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2019) Olayinka, B. U.; Lawal, A. R.; Abdulbaki, S. A.; Ayinla, A.; Oladokun, L. T.; Udo, O. F.; Akinwumi, M. A.; Etejere, E. O.The concern for human health and safety coupled with the increase in herbicides resistant weeds necessitated the need to investigate the effect of frequency of hand weeding on weed suppression, productivity and grains quality in two varieties of cowpea (Tvx 3236 and Ife brown). Plot layout was a split-plot arrangement in complete randomized block design with three replications. The cowpea lines were subjected to five treatments of frequency of hand weeding. Data on weed and crop were subjected to Analysis of Variance. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 0.05 level of significance. Weed species that were found to be preponderant include Brachiaria deflexa, Euphorbia heterophylla and Commelina benghalensis. The three hand weeding at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting (WAP) showed the highest weed control efficiency of 90.48 % followed by those of two hand weeding at 3 and 6 WAP (86.98%) and one hand weeding at 3 WAP (74.68%). The weed free check was the most effective in controlling weeds (93.80%). Growth and productivity of the two cowpea lines were enhanced with increase in frequency of hand weeding when compared with the weedy check. Weeds reduced crop yield by 56.17%. The results of grain quality such as crude protein, lipid content, ash and crude fibre were also enhanced with increase in frequency of hand weeding. Generally, growth and yield were higher in Ife brown than Tvx3236. The research was limited to one cropping season and there is need for reproducibility for consistent of results. The study concluded that weeding twice and three times were found to be feasible since these frequencies of weeding times promoted effective weed reduction, higher growth, and yield and grain quality of the two cowpea varieties studied.Item Comparative evaluation of NPK and chicken dropping on the growth and proximate composition of Amaranthus hybridus L(Biological and Environmental Sciences Journal for Tropics, 2015) Olayinka, B. U.; Ayinla, A.; Ogbeche, F. O.; Etejere, E. O.This experiment was carried out to compare the effects of NPK 15:15:15 and chicken droppings on growth and proximate composition of Amaranthus hybridus. In each fertilizer, four application rates (0, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg of soil) were considered. There were twenty four pots arranged in completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area, and above-ground fresh and dry weight increased with increase in the rats of application compared with the control. The enhancements of these characters were in higher in NPK fertilizer than chicken dropping at all rates studied. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were recorded in the chemical parameters. In both fertilizers, the percentage moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat and total carbohydrate ranged from 16.34-18.80, 9.75-11.54, 13.50-16.84, 2.42-3.09 and 34.14-40.33% respectively. The percentage crude protein was enhanced in NPK treated plants compared to those of chicken dropping. Conversely, carbohydrate and fat were on the increase in chicken dropping than NPK. In both fertilizers, percentage moisture, ash and crude fibre increased with increase in application rates.Item Comparative growth analysis and fruit quality of two varieties of tomato under hand weeding and pendimethalin herbicide(Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2017) Olayinka, B. U.; Esan, O. O.; Anwo, I. O.; Etejere, E. O.Tomato is an important vegetable crop having high nutritional value. Different agronomical practices have been used to increase its quality. Hence, field experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of five weed control methods (Pendimethalin at 4 lha-1, Pendimethalin at 4 lha-1 + one hand weeding at 6 WAT, two hand weeding at 3 and 6 WAT, weed free and weedy check) on the biological productivity and nutritional compositions of two varieties of tomato (Roma V.F. and Tropimech). The weed control methods were arranged following randomized complete block (RCB) design in split-plot arrangement. The results showed that out of the fourteen weed species encountered six weed species: Euphorbia heterophylla, Tridax procumbens, Phyllantus amarus, Tithonia diversifolia, Gomphrena celosioides and Ageratum conyzoides were found to be preponderant. Pendimethalin at 4lha-1 + one hand weeding at 6 WAT and two hand weeding at 3 and 6 WAT showed better weed reduction (53-68%), when compared to sole application of Pendimethalin at 4lha-1(32-41%). The weed free check was the most effective in controlling weeds (96-99%). Growth attributes such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and aboveground dry weight, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate, the number of fruit per plant and harvest index were significantly enhanced in all the weed control methods compared to the weedy check. Higher values of the afore mentioned growth attributes were significantly higher under Pendimethalin at 4 lha-1 + one hand weeding at 6 WAT when compared to other weed control treatments. The biochemical constituents such as vitamin C, lycopene and β-carotene and all the proximate composition except fibre were significantly higher in sole Pendimethalin at 4lha-1 and Pendimethalin at 4lha-1 + one hand weeding 6 WAT than other weed control methods. Growth and yield were higher in variety Roma V.F. than Tropimech, while biochemical constituents were found to be higher in Tropimech than Roma V.F. Pendimetalin at 4lha-1 + one hand weeding 6 WAT was found to be effective in weed suppression with positive influence on the biological productivity and nutritional compositions of the two studied varieties.Item Comparative growth analysis, yield and quality of two cowpea (Vigna unguicullata L. (Walp.)) lines propagated by seed and stem cuttings(Acta. Agricuturae Slovenica, 2019) Olayinka, B. U.; Akinwunmi, M. A.; Hammed, A.; Abdulbaki, A. S.; Yahya, A.; Etejere, E. O.In the present study, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate and compare the effects of seed planting and stem cutting method of propagation on two cowpea lines (IT07K-243-1-2 and IT07K-298-15). Data assessed were subjected to student t-test to test for the significant effect of the two methods at p < 0.05. Results showed that growth characters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, above-ground dry mass, leaf area index, leaf area ratio, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate were significantly enhanced in seed propagation method compared to stem cutting. The yield components such as number of matured pods per plant, pod mass per plant, pod length, pod circumference, pod filling, hundred (100) seed mass, seed mass per plant, average number of seed per pod, harvest index and pod yield per metre square followed similar pattern as recorded for growth characters. Germination potential of the harvested seeds as well as vigour were better in seed planting than stem cutting. Varietal difference showed that line IT07K-298-15 had higher growth, yield and germination potential than IT07K-243-1-2. However, the protein, fat and carbohydrate contents of the latter were higher than the formal. The study concluded that the use of true seed promoted higher productivity. However, planting of stems could still be encouraged on account of a non-significant difference in some of the aforementioned attributes, thereby limiting overreliance on seed as the main source of planting material for propagating the cowpea lines.Item Comparative studies of phytochemical constituents of leaf, bark and root of Moringa oleifera Lam(Jewel Journal of Scientific Research (JJSR), 2015) Etejere, E. O.; Olayinka, B. U.; Lawal, L. O.Comparative analysis of phytochemical constituents of the leaf, bark and root of Moringa oleifera (drumstick) was carried out, Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of the phytochemical constituents were carried out using standard procedure. The results showed that aqueous extract of the plant parts tested positive for tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids except cardiac glycosides which were present only in the root. Significant differences (p≤0.05) in phytochemical constituents were observed between the plant parts and they were found to be significantly higher in the leaf compared to the other parts. Among the phytochemical constituents investigated, saponin was found to be highest with mean value of 20.81 ± 2.38 mg/100g, followed in decreasing order by flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols and tannins with respective mean values of 4.00 ± 0.75 mg/100g, 2.00 ± 0.60 mg/100g, 1.73 ± 0.60 mg/100g and 1.03 ± 0.14 mg/100g. The present study therefore conclusively points out that M. oleifera is a good source of various pharmacologically active substances most especially saponin and cardiac glycoside, in which the latter is a drug of choice for the treatment of congestive heart failure.Item Comparative studies on the growth, yield and bulb quality of two onions (Allium cepa L.) varieties(FUTA Journal of Research in Science, 2019) Olayinka, B. U.; Ademolu, O. O.; Akinwunmi, M. A.; Ayinla, A.; Etejere, E. O.Onions are vegetables that contain plant potent compounds that have been shown to promote human health in several ways. The biological productivity in terms of growth, yield and bulb qualities have been shown to vary among varietal type. Hence a field experiment was carried out to compare the growth, yield and bulb quality of two onions varieties (Allium cepa L. cv Red and White creoles). The field layout followed complete randomized block design with three replications. The data on biological yield and biochemical parameters were subjected to student t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that White creole had higher growth than Red creole. However significantly (p≤ 0.05) higher bulb yield was recorded in Red creole (1126kg/ha) compared to White creole (600kg/ha). Parameters such as number of bulb per plant, length and diameter did not show statistical differences. Composition of the bulb in terms of percentage moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy value showed values that ranged from 86.1 ± 0.40 - 86.4 ± 0.64%, 0.6 ± 0.00 - 0.7 ± 0.02%, 3.3 ± 0.01- 3.6 ± 0.18%, 0.8 ± 0.01- 0.9 ± 0.01%, 1.7 ± 0.18 - 2.6 ± 0.07%, 7.0 ± 0.47 - 6.1 ± 0.29%, 48.9 ± 1.97 - 47.1 ± 1.93 kcal respectively. The moisture, protein, ash, carbohydrate and energy value of the two varieties did not show statistical differences. The vitamin C and sulphur contents values which ranged from 5.1 ± 0.08 - 3.5 ± 0.28 mg/100g and 248.1 ± 8.10 - 194.7 ± 3.40 mg/kg respectively were found to be significantly higher in Red creole than White creole. The results of this study suggests that Red creole consumption is better in the maintenance of healthy living while, White creole on account of high fibre content could be recommended for non-obese patients with indigestion problem.Item Effect of planting methods on growth and yield of groundnut cultivars(Legume Research, 2021) Olayinka, B. U.; Abdulbaki, R. T.; Mohammed, H. A.; Murtadha, R. B.; Alzahrani, Y.; Ayinla, A.; Abdulkareem, K. A.; Etejere, E. O.Background: The low yield in groundnut which can be partly attributed to poor land preparation methods necessitated the need for alternative strategy of land preparation that will promote higher productivity in groundnut farming. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in two separate locations between May and August in 2016 to assess the effect of planting methods on growth and yield of groundnut cultivars. Result: The results revealed that groundnut crop sown on modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting recorded significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, 50% flowering, yield attributes and yield when compared to other methods of planting All the groundnut cultivars responded positively to all planting methods except those grown on flat surface without beds. However, modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting proved to be the best method.Item Effect of spent engine oil (SEO) on germination and seedling growth of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)(Journal of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Education (JOSTMED), 2012) Olayinka, B. U.; Arinde, O. O.; Etejere, E. O.The indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil drain from engine after servicing has been found to affect plant growth. A potted experiment was developed at College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi, to investigate the minimum concentration of spent engine oil that could be inhibitory to groundnut growth. Plastic containers filled with sandy-loam soil were contaminated with various concentrations of spent engine oil (SEO) (0ml, 25ml, 50ml, 75ml and 100ml). Each treatment had three replicates arranged in complete randomized block design. Germination studies carried out showed that the number of seeds of groundnut that grew into seedling decreased with increasing level of the contaminant. Percentage germination was found to decrease from 100% in 0ml to 60% in 25ml and to 33 % in 100ml. Seedling growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and leaf area assessed for a period of one month were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced as the concentration level of the contaminant increased compared to control (0ml) except for 25ml of SEO which did not show significant shoot height difference. Polluted soil with 100ml of SEO was found to be phytotoxic as shown by significant marked reduction in all the aforementioned growth parameters. The results of this study suggest that spent engine oil at 25ml concentration could be considered inhibitory to groundnut growth. Also, higher concentration of this pollutant could become phytotoxic. Therefore, for crop safety and food security, there is need for adequate enlightenment on the indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil.Item Effect of weed control strategies on proximate composition of maize, cowpea, and their intercrops(FUDMA Journals of Sciences (FJS), 2021) Lawal, A. R.; Olayinka, B. U.; Etejere, E. O.; Abdulra`uf, L. B.Weed interference causes low land-use efficiency, expensive cost of production, related to control of plant and pests, low quality of crops and high cost and less efficient utilization of labour. The increase in herbicide resistance weeds which has led to increase use of herbicide has been a great concern to human health. This necessitated the need to investigate the effect of pendimethalin (P) with supplementary hand weeding (HW) on weed control efficiency and proximate composition of maize, cowpea and their intercrop. Field experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 rainy seasons. The field layout followed complete randomized block design with three replicates. There were eight treatments: Sole Maize/Cowpea + P, Sole Maize/Cowpea + P + 1HW at 3 weeks after sowing (WAS), Sole Maize/Cowpea + P+ 2HW at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), Sole Maize/Cowpea weedy check, Intercrop + P, Intercrop + P + 1HW at 3WAS, Intercrop + P + 2HW at 3 and 6 WAS and Intercrop weedy check. It was observed that, P+1HW and P+2HW significantly (p≤0.05) increased carbohydrate (3.61%, 5.61%, 3.73% and 5.75%), protein (13.30%, 15.20%, 5.78% and 14.62%) and lipid contents (60.25%, 87.46%, 56.61% and 64.87%) in maize, cowpea and their respective intercrop. It can be concluded that the use of pendimethalin and 1 supplementary hand weeding effectively suppress weed-crop competition and increase the proximate composition of maize and cowpea.Item Effects of organic, inorganic and organo-mineral fertilizer on the growth, yield and nutrient composition of Corchorus olitorious (L.)(Ceylon Journal of Science, 2018) Ayinla, A.; Alagbe, I. A.; Olayinka, B. U.; Lawal, A. R.; Aboyeji, O. O.; Etejere, E. O.Corchorus olitorius (L.) is an important leafy vegetable known for its rich source of several nutrients and dietary fibre in Africa, Asia and some parts of America. One major limitation of cultivating Corchorus olitorius in the tropics is inadequate soil fertility. Fertilizer application is an integral part of the vegetable cultivation due to low soil productivity. The study therefore aims at evaluating the effects of organic, inorganic and organo-mineral fertilizer at different concertation on the growth, yield and nutrient composition of Corchorus olitorious. The experimental setup followed a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Treatments include control, 1,000 kgha-1 sole poultry manure (PM), 2,000 kgha-1 sole PM, 200 kgha-1 sole NPK, 400 kgha-1 sole NPK, 600 kgha-1 sole NPK, 1,000 kgha-1 PM+200 kgha-1 NPK, 1,000 kgha-1 PM+400 kgha-1 NPK, 1,000 kgha-1 PM+600 kgha-1 NPK, 2,000 kgha-1 PM+200 kg/ha NPK, 2,000 kgha-1 PM+400 kgha-1 NPK and 2,000 kgha-1 PM+600 kgha-1 NPK fertilizer combinations. The growth, yield and nutrient composition of C. olitorious plants were significantly enhanced in all fertilizer treated plots in comparison to the control. Significantly (p<0.05) higher growth parameters, yield and nutrient composition were recorded in the plots treated with combined application of both fertilizers at 2,000 kgha-1 PM+400 kgha-1 NPK and 2,000 kgha-1 PM+600 kgha-1 NPK when compared to other application combinations. This study affirms that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer as a soil amendment could enhance growth, yield, and nutrient composition of C. olitorious in comparison with sole application of either fertilizers.Item Effects of salinity and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) on the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds(Science World Journal, 2016) Olayinka, B. U.; Ayanduro, E. T.; AbdulRahaman, A. A.; Etejere, E. O.In this study, the effects of the combined treatment of salinity and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) on the germination of tomato seeds in Petri-dishes were compared to sole salinity. The treatments consisted of seven concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCL): 0 (control), 10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mM. The results from this study showed that percentage germination decreased from 86.7% in the control to 73.3% in 10 mM, 70 % in 50 mM and 23.3 % in 100 mM. Seeds treated with 250, 500 and 1 000 mM sodium chloride did not germinate. The addition of EDTA at concentration of 1.0 mM significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the salinity effect and enhanced germination of tomato seeds except for concentrations between 250 – 1000 mM where the effect of EDTA had no effect on the germination. Similarly, plumule and radicle lengths were significantly reduced with increase in concentration of NaCl. The results showed that higher concentration of NaCl significantly reduced the germination potential of tomato seeds and this can be reversed with the addition of EDTA when the concentration of NaCl was not above 100 mM.Item Effects of spatial arrangements of groundnut-maize intercrop on growth, yield and proximate composition of groundnut(Al-Hikmah Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017) Olayinka, B. U.; Adefalu, L. L.; Adisa, Y. A.; Lawal, A. R.; Etejere, E. O.Field experiment was carried out at University of Ilorin Botanical garden between May and August 2014 to evaluate the influence of different spatial arrangements on groundnut-maize intercrop and proximate composition of groundnut seeds. Experimental layout followed completely randomized block design with three replications. The spatial arrangements investigated were 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 1 row of maize (3:1), 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 2 rows of maize (3:2), 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 3 rows of maize (3:3), sole maize and groundnut. The results indicated that growth characters such as number of leaves and leaf area were enhanced in 3G:1M and 3G:2M spatial arrangement when compared to 3G:3M and their respective sole cropping. Yield was also enhanced in the intercrop compared to their soles. The 3G:3M produced groundnut seeds with increased percentage ash, fibre and crude protein with concomitant reduction of the fat and carbohydrate when compared to other spatial arrangements and sole groundnut. The results showed that 3G:1M and 3G:2M could be considered as appropriate spatial arrangement for enhancing the growth and yield of the intercrop. The study therefore recommends that field trials be conducted outside the University Botanical Garden with the participation of extension agents and farmers to ensure the adoption of the research outcomes.Item Germination of several groundnut cultivars in relation to incidence of fungi(Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, 2017) Ahmed, O.; Olayinka, Bolaji U.; Garuba, Taofeeq; Etejere, E. O.This experiment is concerned with the germination of nine cultivars of groundnut grown in Nigeria in relation to incidence of fungi. The cultivars were NHK 5V8, NUTII 288, Samnut 10, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24 and MK 373. Germination potential was assessed after 10 days of planting in petri-dishes. Parameters such as seedling vigour and electrical conductivity were assessed. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used to isolate the fungi grown in each seed types and the fungi were identified. Four species of fungi: Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium sp and Penicillium sp were isolated in all the nine cultivars at varying degree except Aspergillus niger that was absent in Samnut 24. Fusarium sp. was preponderant in NUTII288, Samnut 22, 23 and 24. Whereas A. flavus was highest in NHK5V8, MK 373 and Samnut 21. The species such as A. niger and Penicillium sp were respectively high in occurrence in Samnut 10 and 11. Samnut 23 showed highest percentage germination followed by Samnut 24 and 21 (100-90%). All other cultivars had percentage germination between 70-80%. The results of speed, ability and seedling vigour followed similar trend as recorded for percentage germination. Seeds with higher vigour showed lower conductivity test as compared to those with low vigour. Generally, cultivars with high germination potential showed low incidence of fungal attackItem Growth analysis and yield of two varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by different weed control methods(Indian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015) Olayinka, B. U.; Etejere, E. O.Field trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of seven weed management strategies on the growth and yield of two groundnut varieties (Samnut 10 and MK 373) for two successive seasons (2010–2011). The experimental layout was a split plot complete randomized block design with three replications. The two groundnut varieties showed identical pattern of results for leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate as well as yield. All the weed control treatments significantly enhanced the growth and yield compared with the weedy check. The weed free check had the highest growth but the highest yield was recorded from rice straw mulch at 0.1 m depth ? one hand weeding at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) due to increase in number of matured pods per plant, seed weight per plant and 100-seed weight. The results showed that rice straw mulch at 0.1 m depth ? one hand weeding at 6 WAS was better agronomical practice for enhancing growth and yield of groundnut. This enhancement could be as a result of its positive influence on physiological parameters such as leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate. Its use is also ecofriendly as it limits the need for synthetic herbicide.Item Growth and yield attributes of Zea mays L. and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp to different densities of Tithonia diversifolia (Helms) A. Gray(Agronomski Glansnik, 2015) Olayinka, B. U.; Etejere, E. O.; Salihu, B. Z.; Lawal, B. J.Pot experiments were carried out in the Botanical Garden of University of Ilorin, to evaluate growth and yield attributes of Zea mays and Vigna unguiculata under different densities of Tithonia diversifolia. The treatments consisted of five levels of the weed (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20). Split-plot design was used with each of the treatment replicated four times and pots in each main plot followed complete randomized block arrangement. Growth characters such as plant height number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter accumulation in both crops decreased significantly (p≤0.05) with increase in densities. Number of cob per plant, number of grain per cob and cob weight of Zea mays were significantly highest in the control compared to those infested with 5 and 10 densities of T. diversifolia. Total yield loss was recorded at densities of 15 and 20 in Zea mays. Unlike Zea mays, all the densities studied were able to produce pod. However, yield attributes such as pod length, number of seeds per pod and pod filling declined with increasing densities. The effect of T. diversifolia was significantly felt at density as low as 10 and as high as 15 and 20 between 4 and 8 weeks after planting. The results showed that high density of T. diversifolia has the potential of limiting the growth with the concomitant consequence of causing significant reduction in the yield components of the two test crops studied.Item Growth performance of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus var. tainung) in relation to sowing depths and soil type(Jewel Journal of Scientific Research (JJSR), 2019) Olayinka, B. U.; Abdulkareem, K. A.; Ayinla, A.; Adeniran, A. S.; Adigun, B. A.; Sagaya, A.; Bashiru, B. T.; AbdulBaki, A. S.; Etejere, E. O.Kenaf is a non-woody plant that has become one of the important alternative sources of soft fibre material used for packaging materials, paper making and textile. Higher fibre production depends largely on suitable agronomical conditions or practices the plant is subjected to during cultivation. Hence, the need to investigate how different seeding depths and soil types influence the growth performance of the plant. Three soil types (loam, sand and clay) and five sowing depths (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm) were studied. The parameters assessed were germination and growth attributes. The results showed that percentage germination, speed of germination and ability of seeds to germinate were significantly increased when the seeding depth was at 2 cm over other seeding depths. Seeding depth at soil surface and those of 1 cm limited all the germination attributes. All the germination attributes were significantly increased in kenaf seeds sown in loamy soil when compared to the other soil types. The results of growth attributes such as plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area and above-ground dry weight and yield attributes such as number of capsules per plant, number of seed per capsule and number of seeds per plant followed similar trend as recorded for those of germination parameters. Kenaf seeds planted on sandy soil showed reduction in time of seedling emergence, better growth and yield compared to clay soil. The study concluded that 2 cm seeding depth and well-drained soil such as sandy-loam soil are suitable agronomical practice and condition respectively needed for higher productivity that will hitherto translate to greater fibre production. Therefore, the reliance on fibre producing trees could be reduced if these optimum seeding depth and suitable soil type are used by the farmer in the cultivation of this non-woody plant which has the bulk of its stem filled with soft fibre tissue.Item Influence of metolachlor on physiological growth character of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)(Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 2009) Olayinka, B. U.; Olorunmaye, K. S.; Etejere, E. O.A field trial was carried out to investigate the effects of various concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3kg.a.i/ha) of metolachlor on physiological growth character of tomato. Results of this study showed that weeds were decreased in proportion to applied concentration of metolachlor. Metolachlor at 3kga.i/ha did not improve physiological growth character of tomato in spite of effective weed reduction. Tomato leaf area ratio (LAR) declination with age was higher in the plots sprayed with metolachlor at 1-2kg.a.i /ha than those obtained in the weedy control plots. The relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of tomato in the weedy control plots were adversely affected as from 6th week after transplanting .This period coincides with high weed density. However, the relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of tomato in plots sprayed with metholachlor at 1-2kg.a.i/ha showed vigorous growth till 7th week after transplanting (WAT) before showing declination. These results suggest that metolachlor at 1-2kg.a.i/ha could be an effective and safe herbicide for application in transplanted tomato.Item Phytochemical and proximate composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray(Annals Food Science Technology, 2015) Olayinka, B. U.; Raiyemo, D. A.; Etejere, E. O.Phytochemical and proximate composition of Tithonia diversifolia leaves, stem and root were compared in this study using standard procedures. The results showed that both aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plant parts tested positive for alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids flavonoids and phenols. These phytochemicals were found to be significantly highest in the leaves, followed by the root and the stem except the phenol which was significantly highest in the root. Among the phytochemicals, alkaloids was found to be highest (53.33 ± 6.58 mg/100 g) followed in decreasing order by tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and phenols with respective mean values of 382.22 ± 7.58 mg/100 g, 338.89 ± 3.50 mg/100 g, 327.78 ± 7.33 mg/100 g, 65.00 ± 3.69 mg/100 g and 48.46 ± 0.32 mg/100 g. In all the proximate composition, crude fibre was highest (53.57 ± 0.14 %) and this was found in the stem, followed by carbohydrate (52.27 ± 0.32%) which was found in the leaves while the least proximate composition was crude fat (0.27 ± 0.03%) found in the stem. In all the plant parts, carbohydrate was found to be highest (41.84 ± 0.19), followed in decreasing order by crude fibre, moisture, total ash, crude protein and crude fat with mean values of 32.79 ± 0.10%, 9.19 ± 0.05%, 8.97 ± 0.07%, 5.99 ± 0.24% and 1.19 ± 0.05% respectively. The results indicated that, Tithonia diversifolia most importantly its leaves and root have high nutritive and medicinal values that could be explored for pharmaceutical purposes.Item Proximate and chemical compositions of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai cv Red and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.cv Pipino)(International Food Research Journal, 2018) Olayinka, B. U.; Etejere, E. O.Citrullus lanatus and Cucumis sativus which are heavily consumed fruits in most households in Nigeria were analysed for their nutritional potential. The pulp and rind samples of the fruits were analysed for proximate, mineral compositions and vitamin C using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS). The investigated pulp and rind contained highest amount of moisture (93.65 ± 0.03─96.79 ± 0.05%,) and followed in decreasing order of magnitude by carbohydrate (1.28 ± 0.06─4.23 ± 0.12%), protein (0.34 ± 0.01─0.86 ± 0.02%), fibre (0.23 ± 0.01─0.53 ± 0.02%) and ash (0.23 ± 0.01─0.38 ± 0.01%). Generally the fat content of the fruits was found to be low. In both fruits, protein and carbohydrate were found to be high in amount in the pulp when compared to the rind. Aside carbohydrate, all other proximate parameters were found in higher amount in Cucumis sativus when compared to Citrullus lanatus. The mineral analysis showed that the iron of these samples were relatively high with Citrullus lanatus pulp having the highest value of 0.242 ± 0.001 ppm compared with Cucumis sativus pulp 0.074 ± 0.001 ppm with the least value. Concentrations of magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium were higher in Citrullus lanatus when compared to Cucumis sativus. The rind of both fruits contained higher amount of vitamin C (4.74 ± 0.07-5.32 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) when compared to the pulp (2.27 ± 0.03-2.81 ± 0.08 mg/100 g). The results showed that the pulp and rind of these fruits samples have adequate dietary nutrients that could be used to supplement diet of most Nigerians which are high in carbohydrates and deficient in nutrients.