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Volume 7 Number 4 October 2021

Taro Leaf Blight: Disease Assessment, Farmers’ Knowledge and Management Potential of Goatweed Extract in South West Cameroon


Authors: Lum A. F. ; Takor M. C.
Pages: 159-166
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.159.166
Abstract
Leaf blight disease severely constrains the production of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in Cameroon. Studies were conducted in seven localities in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon to assess the incidence and severity of the disease in taro farms using non-destructive sampling, and to document farmers’ knowledge about it using a structured questionnaire. The fungicidal effect of the aqueous leaf extract of goatweed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) at 0 and 100% concentrations and the chemical fungicide Mancozan was tested in-vitro. Results revealed widespread distribution of the disease in the Region. The incidence (77.9-96.5%) and severity (51.9 – 85.6%) varied significantly (P≤0.05) across the localities. The infection rate was classified as high in four localities and very high in three. The farmers were able to identify the disease and understood its effects on taro production but they were not aware of any pesticidal plants for its management. The aqueous leaf extract (100%) of goatweed and Mancozan significantly (P≤0.05) inhibited the mycelia growth of the fungus compared to the untreated control (0%). The plant extract had the potential to control the disease although it gave moderate inhibition of the fungus (38.4% at 9 days after exposure) which was not as effective as Mancozan (100% inhibition). Goatweed could be exploited for use as a source of natural fungicide for management of the pathogen. This study provides baseline information for future studies on the disease and recognises it as a major challenge to the sustainable production of taro.

An Assessment of Rural Women Participation and Efforts Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development in Ikenne Local Government (2016 – 2020)


Authors: Alexander C. Ugwukah ; Sarah M. Audu
Pages: 149-158
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.149.158
Abstract
This paper highlighted that rural women play pivotal roles in agricultural and rural development, even much more than their male counterparts. Although not denying the supportive roles of the men in attaining their production goals, the work explores rural women’s participation in agricultural productive activities such as planting the seedlings, weeding, and interval intercultural operation of the crops. The objective of these studies was to assess the extent to which rural women in the Ikenne Local Government were involved in the productive efforts of two major agricultural produce – Ugu vegetable (pumpkin vegetables) and the corn seedlings in various farms locations. This study focused on the role of women working with full passion in the production of these crops right from the soil preparation through tillage, local manur styles till it is harvested and further into the marketing and storage of these crops for the next planting season; a chain of productive forces just to make ends meet and to sustain their families. For this study, two villages/towns Ilishan-Remo and Ikenne-Remo were selected according to their experiences on these crops and for their proximity to the university and convenience of the research. Results accessed showed formal training on the production of these crops and management. From the overall studies, it was assumed that the maximum percentage of the farmers of these regions adopted indigenous knowledge for the cultivation of these crops including all cultural practices for raising the crops as well as in the post-harvest marketing activities also. The paper through its findings stressed that the public, private sectors, and NGOs in both local governments need to introduce diversity management programs in order to reduce the poverty levels of these rural women in agricultural production. The concluding section of the work recommends some policies that would stimulate these determined producers to such levels that could enable them to grow into big-time farmers and be able to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

Comparative Vegetative, Nutritional and Anatomical Study of Two Almond Varieties Grafted on Bitter Almond and Nemaguard Peach Rootstocks


Authors: Mahmoud Sami Abou Rayya ; Nabila Elbadawy Kaseem ; Thanaa Shaban Mohamed Mahmoud
Pages: 140-148
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.140.148
Abstract
A comparative study was conducted during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 growing seasons for Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra almond cvs grafted on Bitter almond and Nemaguard peach rootstocks at the Experimental Research Station of National Research Centre at Nubaria, El Behera governorate, Egypt. The comparison was evaluated through the grafting success percentage, vegetative growth, determination of some leaf mineral composition, as well as, the anatomical examination of scion/rootstock union zone and cross-section of leaves. The obtained results clarified that the grafting success percentage was significantly affected by the different used rootstocks. Using Bitter almond rootstock recorded the highest percentage of grafting success, leaf chlorophyll content, root length, and a number of lateral root /plant in both cultivars. Using Nemaguard peach rootstock recorded significantly the highest values of scion length, stem girth above and below union zone, number of branches and leaves/plant, leaf area as well as seedlings fresh and dry weight. Leaves of both cultivars grafted on Nemaguard peach rootstock recorded the highest concentrations of leaf mineral contents as compared to those grafted on Bitter almond rootstock. Cross-sections of the graft union zone were taken after 28 days and 6 months from grafting for anatomical analysis. The callus cells developed 28 days after grafting, but cambial cells between the rootstock and scion tissues did not occur in all scion/rootstock combinations. After 6 months of grafting, cambial cells were established, vascular differentiation was observed, regular parenchymatic tissue properties and sclerenchyma bundles were seen in the graft union. There was no problem in terms of compatibility of Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra on Bitter almond and Nemaguard peach rootstocks. Comparing leaf cross-sections of almond grafted on both rootstocks demonstrated that the density of mesophyll cells was affected as a consequence of the rootstock–scion interaction. Nemaguard peach rootstock can be recommended for grafting Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra almond cultivars under Nubaria conditions to produce vigorous trees.

Market Orientation and Entrepreneurial Proclivity as Antecedents of Innovative Behaviour: Implications for Cocoa Farmers in Ghana


Authors: Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum ; Joseph Kwarteng ; Ernest Laryea Okorley ; Fred Nimoh ; John-Eudes Bakang
Pages: 132-139
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.132.139
Abstract
Despite the increasing importance of innovation in literature, there is no agreement about its antecedents. This clearly makes it difficult and risky for cocoa farmers to choose suitable strategies to adopt, develop and promote successful innovations to fit their farm situations. The research questions were aimed at assessing the level of the entrepreneurial proclivity of cocoa farmers, their level of market orientation, their level of innovative behavior, and the influence of entrepreneurial proclivity and market orientation on innovative behavior. Cocoa farmers were sampled from all the six Cocoa Regions in Ghana. In total, 370 cocoa farmers, who participated in the Farmer Business School, were sampled using the multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression). The study showed evidence that market orientation and entrepreneurial proclivity can be considered as antecedents of innovation with the key factors being, customer emphasis, intelligence dissemination, and market responsiveness. The study recommends improved flexibility in the cocoa marketing system of Ghana giving attention to the systems of customer/export options available to cocoa farmers.

Analysis of Cassava Farmers’ Revenue Who were Innovation Participants in Ogun State, Nigeria: 2016-2018


Authors: R. O. Sanusi ; B. O. Ajibola ; E. I. Isegbe ; R. M. Adebayo ; M. B. Abubakar ; O. O. Oke ; D. Lordbanjou ; M. Lawal ; A. S. Adeoye
Pages: 126-131
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.126.131
Abstract
The net revenue from an activity is obtained by subtracting the cash expenses incurred in production from the gross revenue. Gross revenue is the sum of all receipts from the sale of a crop. This study was carried out in Ogun State, Nigeria (latitude 7o 00ꞋN and longitude 3o 35ꞋE) to analyse the revenue of cassava farmers who were involved in improved practices. The simple Random Sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 336 farmers from the study area. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, budgetary technique as well as Chow test. Results showed that there was a steady increase in the revenue until it reached the peak. Thereafter, it fell below the zero lines into the negative. Also, all (100.0%) of the participants had formal education and belonged to a farmers’ association. The average farm size was 1.64 hectares. The study, therefore, recommends regulation of cassava price so that it will not fall below a certain fixed point. It also recommends the government purchase of excess cassava output directly from farmers in order to avoid a market glut. Finally, value addition should be promoted to boost income derivable from cassava sales.

Sorghum Grain and Stover Nutrient Concentrations as Influenced by Tillage and Soil Amendment in Semi-Arid Burkina Faso


Authors: Palé Siébou ; Taonda Sibiri Jean-Baptiste ; Mason Stephen C. ; Sermé Idriss ; Sohoro Adama ; Barro Soma Etienne
Pages: 116-125
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jac.74.116.125
Abstract
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) is a major grain crop in Burkina Faso. Two three-year experiments were conducted in the Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones to determine how plant nutrient concentrations are affected by tillage methods (T) and soil amendments (SA). In both locations, T and SA had little effect on grain and stover nutrient concentrations with some cases of inconsistency across years. Some nutrient concentrations differed by year. The grain nutrient concentrations of N, P, Mg, S, Zn, and Fe were adequate for human nutrition at both locations, but deficient for K, Ca, Mn and Cu. Sorghum nutrient concentrations for feeding cattle were adequate for K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn in most cases at both locations but low for N, P, and Cu. The stover N and P concentrations also appeared to be deficient for optimal plant growth. In both agroecological zones, nutrient applications or genetic enhancement to improve deficient nutrient concentrations, or use of diverse foodstuffs, or biofortified sorghum to provide deficient nutrients in human and cattle diets is needed to meet dietary requirements. In addition to grain and stover yield, studies need to evaluate grain nutrient and stover nutrient concentrations to meet human and cattle dietary requirements.