Research Goal 2

Email: pmsdg@unilorin.edu.ng

MAIZE VARIETIES/ HYBRID RELEASED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA IN COLLABORATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA) AND OTHER PARTNERS

NAME	OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISITICS	PICTURES
ILOMAZ 1	Early maturing (90-95 days) Yellow Striga Resistant Tolerant to other foliar diseases (Curvularia, Streak, Rust and Blight) Good Yield Open pollinated variety
ILOMAZ 2	Medium maturing Resistant to Striga Tolerant to drought High yielding White Tolerant to other foliar diseases (Curvularia, Streak, Rust and Blight) Open pollinated variety
ILOMAZ 3	Medium maturing Resistant to Striga Tolerant to drought High yielding White Tolerant to other foliar diseases (Curvularia, Streak, Rust and Blight) Hybrid

OLAKOJO, OLORUNTOBA OLATAYO (15/68AM005)

COMBINING ABILITY FOR GRAIN YIELD AND POPPING QUALITY IN POPCORN (Zea mays var. everta Sturt.)

April 2023

The acceptability of currently cultivated popcorn varieties in Nigeria is limited by poor yield and popping quality, hence the need for improvement of the germplasm in Nigeria. The study aimed at developing genetically improved version of popcorn varieties, with the objectives to: (i) identify parents with good general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for yield and popping qualities; (ii) estimate mid-parent, high-parent and standard heterosis for yield and popping quality among the crosses; and (iii) assess the popcorn hybrids for yield, popping quality, consumer acceptability and nutritional attributes.

A local check and 13 parental lines obtained from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan were hybridized using Line × Tester mating design to generate 36 hybrids. The hybrids, parental lines and check were evaluated during field trials in 2019 and 2020 at three locations (Ilorin, Orin-Ekiti and Ilora) representing three different agro-ecologies for agronomic performance. Trials were laid out in each location in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Two seeds were sown per hole at a spacing of 75 cm × 50 cm. Popping experiment was carried out using an air popper while proximate analysis was done in the laboratory. Line x Tester analysis was carried out to estimate heterosis, GCA and SCA.

Findings from the study were:

• parental lines V7, V9 and M3 demonstrated positive and significant GCA effect at ρ≤0.01 for yield while V8, V9, M3 were positive and significant at ρ≤0.01 for popping volume. Also, M1×V1, M1×V3, M1×V4, M3×V3 and 6 others had positive and significant SCA effect for grain yield and popping volume. Non-additive gene effect was more important in the inheritance of agronomic traits with a line × tester interaction contributing a larger portion to the hybrid variances ranging between 52 and 86% compared with Line which contributes between 10.51 and 44.80%, and Tester contribution ranging from 0.20 to 15.24%. Crosses differed significantly at ρ≤0.01 for all agronomic traits except ears per plant while the line × tester interaction was highly significant for all agronomic traits except anthesis-silking interval and EPP;
• hybrids M1×V1, M1×V7 and M4×V7 had heterotic advantage of 35, 28.99 and 22.46%, respectively over their parents and check for yield and 32.4, 18.8 and 18.73%, respectively for popping volume; and
• hybrids M2×V8, M3×V9 and M1×V7 combined high yield and acceptable popping volume with a yield advantage of 111, 96 and 95%, respectively over the check. They also had a popping advantage of 25, 23 and 21%, respectively, over the check. Hybrid M1×V7 combined consumer’s acceptability with high yield and an acceptable level of popping volume. All evaluated materials had a carbohydrate value of above 74.26%.

The study concluded that all the popcorn traits investigated in this study were governed by non-additive gene action. The study recommended that hybrids M2×V8, M3×V9 and M1×V7 which combined yield and popping volume can be exploited, registered and released in the Nigeria popcorn industry for enhanced productivity and reduced importation.

ABOLUSORO, PATRICIA FEHINTOLA 16/68AN001

RESPONSE OF SELECTED TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum) CULTIVARS TO TIME OF PLANTING AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH, NIGERIA

APRIL, 2023

Increasing high demand for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its by-products far outweigh its production in Nigeria. This is probably due to lack of suitable inputs such as improved cultivars, fertilizer and inappropriate time of planting necessary for large scale production.  The main objective is to study the response of selected tomato cultivars to time of planting and fertilizer application in Southern Guinea Savannah. The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the growth, yield and shelf life of tomato cultivars; (ii) select high performing tomato cultivars for the study area; (iii) determine the effect of time of planting and fertilizer application on the performance of selected tomato cultivars; and (iv) evaluate the effects of time of planting and application of fertilizer on the fruit quality and susceptibility to diseases.

The study used both screen house and field experiments. A completely randomized design which comprised twenty (20) tomato cultivars (10 local and 10 hybrids) as treatments with three replications was used for the screen house study in 2017.  The field experiments in 2018 and 2019 were laid out in a split-split plot design. The main plots were three times of planting, the sub plots comprised five selected cultivars while the sub-sub plots were three fertilizer application rates (control, 10 t/ha Poultry manure and 150kg/ha NPK 15-15-15). Data were collected on growth; yield and percentage rot and analyzed using inferential statistics. Proximate analyses of the fruits were done using standard laboratory procedures while microbial load was adopted for susceptility level.

The findings of the study were:

1. growth, yield and shelf-life of tomato cultivars for the screen house study varied significantly (p<0.05). The yield  of tomato cultivars ranged between 58.67 and 383.33 g/plant, and 10 days shelf life of the tomato cultivars revealed highest fruit rot in three local cultivars (Aho avegh, Gou and Igede) while Gou, Tima and Peto 86 were more susceptible to nematode attack;
2. three hybrids (Cobra, Boomerang and Riogrande) and 2  local tomato cultivars (Ishaze and Dan-karufi)  selected as they were ranked high performing in terms of yield and fruit quality;
3. planting in July was observed as the best time of planting based on the yield parameters. Cobra, Boomerang and Riogrande had higher fruit yields (12.57, 12.39 and 12.95) t/ha respectively in 2018 with similar trend in 2019. Poultry manure application resulted in the highest fruit yields in both 2018 and 2019 (11.88t/ha; 21.63t/ha) respectively at p<0.05; and
4. poultry application increased lycopene content, vitamin C, phosphorus and crude protein in               tomato cultivars. Tomato cultivars fertilized with NPK had the highest number of fruit rot and susceptibility level.

The study concluded that the most appropriate time of planting was July.  Cobra, Boomerang and Rio Grande were highest performing while application of poultry manure at 10 tons/ ha increased growth, nutritional quality and storability. The study, therefore, recommended these three cultivars be planted in July using 10t/ha poultry manure in the study area.

Name: KOLADE, ISIAKA OYENIYI 97/10AC048

Title: PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF XYLANASE TO IMPROVE THE FEEDING VALUES OF RICE HUSK IN BROILER CHICKEN AND GOATS

February 2023

The study aims at producing xylanase by Aspergillus tubingensis to improve the feeding value of rice husk in broiler chickens and goats. The inability of livestocks to digest high fibre feedstuffs necessitates the need to degrade the cell wall components by using xylanase, thus making the trapped nutrients available. The objectives of the study were to; (i) investigate most suitable substrate for optimal xylanase production, (ii) produce, purify and characterize xylanase produced by Aspergillus tubingensis, (iii) determine the optimum concentration of xylanase required for efficient degradation of rice husk, (iv) estimate the optimum levels of inclusion of xylanase-treated rice husk on broiler chicken’s diet; and (v) evaluate the effects of feeding xylanase-treated rice husk on performance characteristics of West Africa Dwarf goats.

Experiment I investigated the appropriate substrate (carbon source) among agricultural residues and optimized fermentation conditions for maximum xylanase production by Aspergillus tubingensis via solid state fermentation. In experiment II, xylanase was mass produced using corncob as sole substrate, purified and characterized for temperature, pH and heat stability for optimum conditions of maximum activity. Experiment III assessed the potential of xylanase produced for enzymatic degradation of rice husk to improve its nutritional value. Experiment IV evaluated the effects of inclusion levels of dietary treatment containing xylanase-treated rice husk (XTRH) formulated with other ingredients at 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% on the performance of broiler chickens. Experiment V examined the performance of goats fed on graded levels of dietary treatment containing XTRH formulated with other ingredients at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Data were collected on xylanase yield, fermentation conditions, xylanase activity and stability, fibre degradability, feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient retention, carcass characteristics, organs weight, economics of broilers, nutrient digestibility, ruminal enzyme activity, ruminal fermentation characteristics and performance. Data were determined by one-way Analysis of Variance (α = 0.05) and significant means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

The findings of the studies were that:

1. fungal isolate was identified through molecular identification as Aspergillus tubingensis;
2. corn cob indicated the maximum yield of xylanase at pH of 6.0 (107.97 IU/g), 72 hours incubation period (111.23 IU/g), temperature of 30^oC (44.26 IU/g) and substrate ratio 1:3 (45.68 IU/g);
3. enzyme activity was increased from 1.27 to 4.73 IU/mg with 39.57% yield, purified enzyme was active at 50°C, 5-7 pH and heat stability at 40^oC;
4. crude protein, dry matter were significantly higher (p<0.05) at 100g/0.2mL level of xylanase treatment and fibre fractions of the ground rice husk were significantly lower (p<0.05) at 100g /0.2 mL compared to control; and
5. total weight gain of broilers (2.65kg) and goats (8.90kg) fed dietary treatments containing 20%  and 30% inclusion of XTRH were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to control diets (1.94kg) and (7.40kg).

The study concluded that xylanase-treated rice husk included in the diets of broiler chickens and goats improved its feeding values and reduced cost of feed. The study recommended the inclusion of XTRH at 20% and 30% in broiler chicken and goat’s diets, respectively.

FALOLA-OLASUNKANMI, JUDITH ADEJOKE 07/10AC143

EFFECT OF WEED INFESTATION AND TIME-OF-DAY INSECTICIDE APPLICATION ON FALL ARMYWORM AND MAIZE YIELD

April 2023

Maize production is affected by several factors such as weeds, insects and most recently fall armyworm (FAW) causing low yields in Nigeria. This study therefore, examined the effect of weed infestation on fall armyworm and maize yield. The objectives of the study were to: (i) ascertain the presence of FAW in the study area; (ii) identify dominant weed species that were natural hosts of FAW; (iii) evaluate the efficiency of weed control methods on FAW infestation and maize yield; and (iv) examine the effect of time-of-day application of insecticide on FAW.

Field trials were conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm during 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. The experiment was a factorial design with a split-split plot arrangement and replicated three times. Maize varieties (Oba-super 6 and Oba-super 4) comprised the main plots, time-of-day application of insecticide (9 am and 4 pm) constituted sub-plots while weed control (pre-atrazine, pre-atrazine+post-Nicosulfuron, pre-metolachlor, pre-metolachlor+post-Nicosulfuron and pre-primextra, 4 weeks of weedy, 3 weeks of weedy, and weed check) were the sub-sub plots. The field was ploughed, harrowed, and ridged; maize seeds were sown at a spacing of 1 m x 0.25 m to give 40,000 plants/ha. Data collected were weed host, weed density and biomass at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after sowing. Number of infested/harvestedplants, yield and yield components of maize at harvest were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant means were separated using new Duncan`s multiple range test at p<0.05. Insect larvae collected from the maize plots were taken to the laboratory for preservation and identification using “four-dot’’ square on the 8^th abdominal segment, body length and head capsule widths.

The major findings of the study were:

1. fall armyworm larvae with six distinct instars and 21-day developmental period were observed;
2. dominant natural hosts of FAW in the study area were Digitariasanguinalias, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochioa crusgalli, Narcissus papyraceus, Commelina benghalensis and Gossypium hirsutum;
3. atrazine controlled 94% of broadleaved weeds and 6% of grasses, while metolachlor controlled 89.6 and 20.4% of grasses and broadleaves, respectively;
4. between40-47% low FAW infestation in delayed hoe-weeded and weed-checked plots compared to herbicide-treated plots and 16.5% increase in atrazine-treated plots;
5. delayed weed removal for 3 weeks yielded 3.63 t/ha of grain yield, 36.9% and 9.4% increase over plots treated with herbicides once (2.29 t/ha) and twice (3.29 t/ha), respectively; and
6. time-of-day application of insecticide had no significant(p>0.05) effect on FAW and maize yield although plots treated at 4 pm had 3.08% increase in grain yield.

The study concluded that prolonging the time of weed removal allowed the natural hosts of FAW to dominate, thereby reducing the level of infestation on the maize. The study therefore recommended that farmers should delay weed removal for 3 weeks to reduce FAW infestation and improve maize yield.

OPTIMAL CONTROL OF SORGHUM PEST MATHEMATICAL MODELLING AND ANALYSIS

ISSA, Temitope Issa

(14/68EV013)

February 2023

Pest management is essential to prevent devastating impact on economy, food security, social life, health and biodiversity. Pest control in stored grains such as sorghum, millet and the likes has relied heavily on synthetic insecticides due to their instant effectiveness and ease of application. However, extensive use of chemical insecticides results in envi- ronmental pollution, pest resurgence, and pest resistance. Thus, the need for a control of sorghum pest management that have little or no adverse effect on the environment. This study is aimed at establishing a biological based optimal control model of sorghum pest management. The objectives of the study were to: (i) develop optimal control biological models for the interaction of pests and sorghum species; (ii) test the existence and unique- ness of solution of the model developed; (iii) investigate the local stability of the model equilibrium states; (iv) use the optimal control approach to analyze the system of equa- tions; (v) perform sensitivity analysis of the model; and (vi) validate the results obtained from the developed model. The methodology of mathematical modelling was used for model formulation through the application of the vector-host concept from mathematical epidemiology. Numerical schemes such as Runge Kutta order 4 (RK4) and Differential Transform Method (DTM) were respectively used for model stability and numerical simulation.

The findings of the study were that:

• two mathematical models for biological and botanical control for the interaction of pests and sorghum species were formulated;
• the existence and uniqueness results showed that the models were well posed;
• the conditions of the optimal control model necessary for sorghum pest management portend the model to be locally stable;
• the result obtained showed that the pest will be under control if the value of the basic reproduction number is less than unity; sensitivity analysis of the control number mostly responsible for the spread of the pest were also investigated were found to be effective for the pest control management; and
• numerical simulation showed that sorghum pest can be adequately managed bio- logically/botanically using optimal the control approach.

The study concluded that optimal control of sorghum pest is more effective and have little or no adverse effect on the environment. The study recommended that mathematical models for biological and botanical control should be utilized in the brewery and cereal industries.