Twenty two genotypes of quality protein maize (QPM) and two local checks were assessed for their lysine and tryptophan levels, as well as grain yield characteristics at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria for three years (2009-2011). The results showed that the QPM genotypes and the standard checks varied from one another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, zein crude, lysine and tryptophan. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB had percentage lysine and tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with the local checks. These hybrids also out-yielded other genotypes with yield advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbred, open pollinated variety and the standard check respectively. However, grain yield showed positive association with all the characteristics except crude protein content. Kernel number per cob had maximum correlation with grain yield followed by kernel rows per cob, cob diameter and cob weight. The direct effect for crude protein was positive but the correlation was negative. Conclusively, the QPM hybrids that combined high yield with the essential amino acids could be tested in different savanna agro-ecologies to identify those that could be released to farmers, while the superior inbreds could be introgressed for further breeding programs.
Quality protein maize (QPM) combining the enhanced levels of
lysine and tryptophan with high grain yield and desirable agronomic traits could
reduce food insecurity and malnutrition in West and Central Africa. Twenty-two
varieties of QPM and two local checks were evaluated for agronomic
characteristics and nutritional qualities in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria
for two years (2009 and 2010). Though crude protein levels are good indicators of
quality, amino acid composition analyses, especially lysine and tryptophan that
would provide a final proof are in progress. The genotypes comprised five open
pollinated varieties (OPVs), nine inbred lines, eight hybrids and two local varieties.
Differences among the varieties were significant (P<0.01)><0.05) for days to tasselling. Most of the QPM inbred lines (CML
437, CML 490 CML 178) and hybrids (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-
OB and TZPB-OB) have superior performance for grain yield, other yield
attributes and nutritional qualities compared with the OPVs and local checks.
These inbreds could be potential sources of favorable alleles useful for future
maize breeding, while the hybrids could be evaluated in different environments of
Nigeria for comparative advantages in different environments and quality of the
grains to be released to farmers.
Experiments were conducted on six newly developed open pollinated quality protein maize (QPM) genotypes and two
check entries for three years (2009-2011). The objective was to assess their yield potentials and disease tolerance/
resistance in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria. Genotype and year of evaluation were significant for
(P<0.01><0.05) for grain yield, harvest moisture and lodging characteristics. Genotypes x year interactive effect for
grain yield revealed different genotypic performance of the genotypes tested with two checks (Oba-Super 1 and DMRLSR-
Y) being responsible for the significant differences obtained in the three years of evaluation. Average grain yield was
significantly higher in the year 2011 compared to 2009 and 2010. All the genotypes tested were moderately tolerant to the
five diseases ranging from 1.5 (Streak virus) in Oba-Super 1 (check) to 2.9 (Southern leaf blight, Curvularia leaf spot and
Leaf rust) in the ART98-SW6-OB and ART98-SW4-OB respectively. Ear rot mostly affected the leaves among diseases
with a range of 2.3 to 2.8 in TZPB-OB and DMR-LSR-Y respectively.. Four QPM genotypes (ART98-SW5-OB,
ART98-SW4-OB, TZPB-OB and ART98-SW6-OB) were superior for grain yield with yield advantage of 28% over the
best OPV check. These QPM genotypes can therefore serve as useful replacement for existing cultivars and also as source
of genes for future maize breeding activities in the development of superior maize varieties with high protein contents for
the savanna agro-ecology.
A comparative study on the response of six maize hybrids: two
hybrids each from the 1980s (8321-21 and 8425-8), 1990s (9801-11 and 9803-2)
and 2000s (0103-11 and 0103-15) to sub-optimal and optimal nitrogen fertilization
was conducted in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria. The trials were set up in a split plot with three
nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 90 kg N ha-1) as a main plot and six hybrids as sub-plots.
Significant interactions were observed between hybrid and N level for all
characters, with increasing in variation as the level of N decreased. Mean grain
yield reductions across eras were 73.8% at no-N and 32.6% at low-N, and those of
optimal-N fertilization were 34.3% and 15.7% for 1980s and 1990s genotypes
respectively. Depending on N treatment, grain yield varied from 0.67 to 4.89 t ha-1.
Kernel number was most severely reduced by N stress, but had positive and highly
significant (p≤0.01) correlation with grain yield at all N levels. Genetic gains in
grain yield were 42% (between 1980 and 2000 eras) and 9% (between 1990 and
2000 eras) under optimal-N fertilization. The two modern hybrids of 2000 era
(0103-11 and 0103-15) were outstanding for all the agronomic traits and leaf
chlorophyll concentration at all N levels. Improving traits associated with fertilizer
N response could accelerate rate of genetic gains in maize yields.
Drought and nitrogen (N) tolerance quality protein maize (QPM) could serve as a succor for malnourishment in the Sub-Saharan Africa, and adoption should be intensified where resource poor farmers cannot afford N fertilizer and drought on maize at grain filling stage is frequent. This study compares the quality index, protein, tryptophan and lysine contents of normal extra-early drought-tolerant and their quality protein maize hybrids under sub-optimal and optimal soil N conditions. Four normal drought-tolerant and their respective QPM hybrids were planted under no (0 kg N ha-1), low (30 kg N ha-1) and optimal (90 kg N ha-1) fertilizations at Oke Oyi, Ilorin in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with the N rates as main plot and the eight cultivars as sub-plots. Each plot within N levels was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The normal cultivars outyielded the QPM versions across N rates with no significance difference. There is a linear increase in all protein qualities with increase in N rates among QPM, while normal maize counterparts had a linear decline with increase in N fertilization. The QPM cultivars also maintained their endosperm protein qualities across N rates. Across N environments, the grain quality characters, such as crude protein, tryptophan, and lysine contents in grain, showed a significant negative relationship with grain yields, which were relatively much stronger under low-N stress. 99TY, TYEEC4, 99TYQ and 20SYNEEWQ have viable traits that could be explored for the development of maize varieties with good grain yield and better protein qualities to improve protein availability in maize based diets and feed for large population of man and livestock.
Development of drought tolerant maize cultivars is prerequisite to achieving stable grain yield in
drought–prone ecologies of Nigeria’s Guinea savanna. However, success has been limited mainly due
to lack of maize genotypes that show clear differences in response to well defined moisture deficit
condition. Two sets of drought tolerant (DT) maize germplasm were evaluated under screenhouse and
field conditions between 1999 and 2002. In the screenhouse study, performances of the genotypes
were compared under well-watered condition and moisture deficit imposed at different growth stages.
Under field conditions, the first set comprising 11 accessions along with a check were evaluated for 4
growing seasons while the second set which comprised 3 DT varieties were evaluated along with 2
check varieties using monthly plantings between April and August of 2001 and 2002, respectively. In
the first set, post anthesis moisture deficit significantly reduced grain yield by 25 to 73.5% in the open
pollinated varieties (OPVs) and by 20 to 64% in the hybrids. Grain yield under field conditions ranged
from 2.48 to 3.49, 2.82 to 3.73 and 3.58 to 4.76 tons/ha-1 for 1999, 2000 and 2001 full growing seasons,
respectively, and 2.03 to 2.50 tons/ha-1 for 2000 late growing season. In the second set, pre and post
anthesis moisture deficits reduced grain yield by 77.6 and 95.8%, respectively, of well watered
condition while in the field, grain yields in the genotypes were highest for plantings made in April and
July (1.90 - 2.5 t/ha), lowest for August (0.7 -1.8 t/ha) when moisture deficit coincided with
reproductive phase. Yield stability exhibited under moisture deficit and on the field by 8522-2, Oba
super 2 and AK9943-DMRSR in the first set as well as DT-SR-Y C0 and DT-SR-W C0 in the second set,
indicates their suitability either as cultivars per se or as potential source of DT alleles for
development of DT maize varieties for Nigeria’s savanna ecologies.
Field experiments were conducted to investigate the variations in sixteen maize genotypes in relation to drought tolerance. The experimental set up was subjected to drought stress after five weeks of planting for three weeks before data on morphological and yield characters of maize genotypes were obtained for three cropping years. Plant height and grain yield of Bodija yellow maize were the highest overall. There was a significant difference among genotypes for drought stress resistance and Bodija yellow maize showed the most tolerance, while TZBR Comp 1 – C1 S2 510 genotype was the least. First principal component axis (Prin 1) had the highest contribution to the variation of the morphological, yield and drought tolerance traits. Prin 1 was highly related to the morphological and yield characters more than to the drought resistance. Plant height was negatively and strongly correlated (p<0.01) with stem height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width and week after planting, but negatively correlated with the drought resistance. Therefore, Bodija yellow maize should be considered as parent material in breeding for the development of drought tolerant traits in maize.
Combining ability of inbred lines in quality protein maize (QPM) for varietal...Premier Publishers
Information on the combining ability of elite germplasm is essential to maximize their use for variety development. Sixty-six F1 crosses resulted from diallel crosses of 12 QPM inbred lines and two standard checks BHQP542 and Melkassa6Q were evaluated to determine general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability for yield and yield related traits using alpha-lattice design with two replications during the 2013 cropping season at Mechara. Analysis of variance showed that mean squares due to entries were significant for most traits studied, indicates existence of variability among the materials. Mean squares due to crosses and crosses versus checks were also significant for most studied traits. GCA and SCA mean squares revealed highly significant (p<0.01) differences for grain yield and most yield related traits. Inbred lines P1, P3 and P12 were good general combiners as the lines showed significant and positive GCA effects for grain yield. Among the crosses, P2 x P11 and P6 x P8 manifested positive and significant SCA effects for grain yield, indicating high yielding potential of the cross combinations. In general, this study identified inbred lines and hybrid combinations that had desirable expression of important traits which will be useful for the development of high yielding varieties.
Quality protein maize—Bridging the malnutrition gapafrica-rising
Poster prepared by Peter Setimela, Edmore Gasura, Davies Melele and Oswell Ndoro for the Africa RISING Science for Impact Workshop, Dar es Salaam, 17-19 January 2017
Quality protein maize (QPM) combining the enhanced levels of
lysine and tryptophan with high grain yield and desirable agronomic traits could
reduce food insecurity and malnutrition in West and Central Africa. Twenty-two
varieties of QPM and two local checks were evaluated for agronomic
characteristics and nutritional qualities in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria
for two years (2009 and 2010). Though crude protein levels are good indicators of
quality, amino acid composition analyses, especially lysine and tryptophan that
would provide a final proof are in progress. The genotypes comprised five open
pollinated varieties (OPVs), nine inbred lines, eight hybrids and two local varieties.
Differences among the varieties were significant (P<0.01)><0.05) for days to tasselling. Most of the QPM inbred lines (CML
437, CML 490 CML 178) and hybrids (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-
OB and TZPB-OB) have superior performance for grain yield, other yield
attributes and nutritional qualities compared with the OPVs and local checks.
These inbreds could be potential sources of favorable alleles useful for future
maize breeding, while the hybrids could be evaluated in different environments of
Nigeria for comparative advantages in different environments and quality of the
grains to be released to farmers.
Experiments were conducted on six newly developed open pollinated quality protein maize (QPM) genotypes and two
check entries for three years (2009-2011). The objective was to assess their yield potentials and disease tolerance/
resistance in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria. Genotype and year of evaluation were significant for
(P<0.01><0.05) for grain yield, harvest moisture and lodging characteristics. Genotypes x year interactive effect for
grain yield revealed different genotypic performance of the genotypes tested with two checks (Oba-Super 1 and DMRLSR-
Y) being responsible for the significant differences obtained in the three years of evaluation. Average grain yield was
significantly higher in the year 2011 compared to 2009 and 2010. All the genotypes tested were moderately tolerant to the
five diseases ranging from 1.5 (Streak virus) in Oba-Super 1 (check) to 2.9 (Southern leaf blight, Curvularia leaf spot and
Leaf rust) in the ART98-SW6-OB and ART98-SW4-OB respectively. Ear rot mostly affected the leaves among diseases
with a range of 2.3 to 2.8 in TZPB-OB and DMR-LSR-Y respectively.. Four QPM genotypes (ART98-SW5-OB,
ART98-SW4-OB, TZPB-OB and ART98-SW6-OB) were superior for grain yield with yield advantage of 28% over the
best OPV check. These QPM genotypes can therefore serve as useful replacement for existing cultivars and also as source
of genes for future maize breeding activities in the development of superior maize varieties with high protein contents for
the savanna agro-ecology.
A comparative study on the response of six maize hybrids: two
hybrids each from the 1980s (8321-21 and 8425-8), 1990s (9801-11 and 9803-2)
and 2000s (0103-11 and 0103-15) to sub-optimal and optimal nitrogen fertilization
was conducted in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria. The trials were set up in a split plot with three
nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 90 kg N ha-1) as a main plot and six hybrids as sub-plots.
Significant interactions were observed between hybrid and N level for all
characters, with increasing in variation as the level of N decreased. Mean grain
yield reductions across eras were 73.8% at no-N and 32.6% at low-N, and those of
optimal-N fertilization were 34.3% and 15.7% for 1980s and 1990s genotypes
respectively. Depending on N treatment, grain yield varied from 0.67 to 4.89 t ha-1.
Kernel number was most severely reduced by N stress, but had positive and highly
significant (p≤0.01) correlation with grain yield at all N levels. Genetic gains in
grain yield were 42% (between 1980 and 2000 eras) and 9% (between 1990 and
2000 eras) under optimal-N fertilization. The two modern hybrids of 2000 era
(0103-11 and 0103-15) were outstanding for all the agronomic traits and leaf
chlorophyll concentration at all N levels. Improving traits associated with fertilizer
N response could accelerate rate of genetic gains in maize yields.
Drought and nitrogen (N) tolerance quality protein maize (QPM) could serve as a succor for malnourishment in the Sub-Saharan Africa, and adoption should be intensified where resource poor farmers cannot afford N fertilizer and drought on maize at grain filling stage is frequent. This study compares the quality index, protein, tryptophan and lysine contents of normal extra-early drought-tolerant and their quality protein maize hybrids under sub-optimal and optimal soil N conditions. Four normal drought-tolerant and their respective QPM hybrids were planted under no (0 kg N ha-1), low (30 kg N ha-1) and optimal (90 kg N ha-1) fertilizations at Oke Oyi, Ilorin in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with the N rates as main plot and the eight cultivars as sub-plots. Each plot within N levels was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The normal cultivars outyielded the QPM versions across N rates with no significance difference. There is a linear increase in all protein qualities with increase in N rates among QPM, while normal maize counterparts had a linear decline with increase in N fertilization. The QPM cultivars also maintained their endosperm protein qualities across N rates. Across N environments, the grain quality characters, such as crude protein, tryptophan, and lysine contents in grain, showed a significant negative relationship with grain yields, which were relatively much stronger under low-N stress. 99TY, TYEEC4, 99TYQ and 20SYNEEWQ have viable traits that could be explored for the development of maize varieties with good grain yield and better protein qualities to improve protein availability in maize based diets and feed for large population of man and livestock.
Development of drought tolerant maize cultivars is prerequisite to achieving stable grain yield in
drought–prone ecologies of Nigeria’s Guinea savanna. However, success has been limited mainly due
to lack of maize genotypes that show clear differences in response to well defined moisture deficit
condition. Two sets of drought tolerant (DT) maize germplasm were evaluated under screenhouse and
field conditions between 1999 and 2002. In the screenhouse study, performances of the genotypes
were compared under well-watered condition and moisture deficit imposed at different growth stages.
Under field conditions, the first set comprising 11 accessions along with a check were evaluated for 4
growing seasons while the second set which comprised 3 DT varieties were evaluated along with 2
check varieties using monthly plantings between April and August of 2001 and 2002, respectively. In
the first set, post anthesis moisture deficit significantly reduced grain yield by 25 to 73.5% in the open
pollinated varieties (OPVs) and by 20 to 64% in the hybrids. Grain yield under field conditions ranged
from 2.48 to 3.49, 2.82 to 3.73 and 3.58 to 4.76 tons/ha-1 for 1999, 2000 and 2001 full growing seasons,
respectively, and 2.03 to 2.50 tons/ha-1 for 2000 late growing season. In the second set, pre and post
anthesis moisture deficits reduced grain yield by 77.6 and 95.8%, respectively, of well watered
condition while in the field, grain yields in the genotypes were highest for plantings made in April and
July (1.90 - 2.5 t/ha), lowest for August (0.7 -1.8 t/ha) when moisture deficit coincided with
reproductive phase. Yield stability exhibited under moisture deficit and on the field by 8522-2, Oba
super 2 and AK9943-DMRSR in the first set as well as DT-SR-Y C0 and DT-SR-W C0 in the second set,
indicates their suitability either as cultivars per se or as potential source of DT alleles for
development of DT maize varieties for Nigeria’s savanna ecologies.
Field experiments were conducted to investigate the variations in sixteen maize genotypes in relation to drought tolerance. The experimental set up was subjected to drought stress after five weeks of planting for three weeks before data on morphological and yield characters of maize genotypes were obtained for three cropping years. Plant height and grain yield of Bodija yellow maize were the highest overall. There was a significant difference among genotypes for drought stress resistance and Bodija yellow maize showed the most tolerance, while TZBR Comp 1 – C1 S2 510 genotype was the least. First principal component axis (Prin 1) had the highest contribution to the variation of the morphological, yield and drought tolerance traits. Prin 1 was highly related to the morphological and yield characters more than to the drought resistance. Plant height was negatively and strongly correlated (p<0.01) with stem height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width and week after planting, but negatively correlated with the drought resistance. Therefore, Bodija yellow maize should be considered as parent material in breeding for the development of drought tolerant traits in maize.
Combining ability of inbred lines in quality protein maize (QPM) for varietal...Premier Publishers
Information on the combining ability of elite germplasm is essential to maximize their use for variety development. Sixty-six F1 crosses resulted from diallel crosses of 12 QPM inbred lines and two standard checks BHQP542 and Melkassa6Q were evaluated to determine general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability for yield and yield related traits using alpha-lattice design with two replications during the 2013 cropping season at Mechara. Analysis of variance showed that mean squares due to entries were significant for most traits studied, indicates existence of variability among the materials. Mean squares due to crosses and crosses versus checks were also significant for most studied traits. GCA and SCA mean squares revealed highly significant (p<0.01) differences for grain yield and most yield related traits. Inbred lines P1, P3 and P12 were good general combiners as the lines showed significant and positive GCA effects for grain yield. Among the crosses, P2 x P11 and P6 x P8 manifested positive and significant SCA effects for grain yield, indicating high yielding potential of the cross combinations. In general, this study identified inbred lines and hybrid combinations that had desirable expression of important traits which will be useful for the development of high yielding varieties.
Quality protein maize—Bridging the malnutrition gapafrica-rising
Poster prepared by Peter Setimela, Edmore Gasura, Davies Melele and Oswell Ndoro for the Africa RISING Science for Impact Workshop, Dar es Salaam, 17-19 January 2017
Moringa is a plantfood of high nutritional value, ecologically and economically beneficial and readily available in the countries hardest hit by the food crisis. http://miracletrees.org/ http://moringatrees.org/
Genetic control and heterosis depend directly on genetic divergence among the parents in generating promising hybrids
required by plant breeders. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of heterosis, combining
abilities, regression and correlation estimates in order to develop hybrid cultivars in maize. The 28 F1 hybrids obtained by
partial diallel cross of 8 inbreds in a randomized complete block design were evaluated at the Lower Niger River Basin
Authority, Oke-Oyi, Nigeria in three years. General (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) produced significant (P
< 0.01) effects for all the characters, while non-additive genetic effects were predominant. The levels of heterosis for grain
yield varied widely among crosses, ranging from -16.83 to 9.76%. Positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic
correlations among grain yield and some related characters (days to anthesis and silking; plant and ear heights; number of
ears plant-1 and 1000 seed weight) showed that each character could be used indirectly to selection of grain yield. These
results also indicated that SCA was more effective than heterosis for describing hybrid performance. The regression of
actual hybrid characters on the expected hybrid characters, based on parental GCA values, was highly significant.
Regression analysis also showed that all the agronomic characters jointly contributed 19.4% to grain yield of maize. The
inbreds (Pop 66 SR and 2000 EV DT-Y STRC4) and crosses (Pop 66 SR x, 2000 EV DT-Y STRC4, Pop 66 SR x KU1409
and 9006 x KU1409) featured prominently with respect to better GCA × Year and SCA × Year effects with high heterotic
values for maize grain yield and associated characters. These inbreds could serve as donors to obtain early and short
statured hybrids with higher yield, while the crosses may be exploited and adapted to the Nigerian Savannas. This study
also affirmed that genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients as well as combining abilities, heterosis and regression
analyses were found to be suitable models for yield improvement in maize breeding.
Quality Characteristics, Phenotypic correlations and Principal Component Anal...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The aim of this study was to characterize indigenous chicken eggs and create an inventory that will set a base for designing breeding programs to improve egg quality traits. 338 eggs of mixed breeds of indigenous chickens from small scale farmers in Lusaka were collected and used in this study. A number of external and internal traits were measured manually. The eggs had a weight of 49±0.44g with a length of 54.55mm and 40.31mm wide. Other traits measured included egg shell weight and length, with the egg shell accounting for 12.78% of the total weight of the egg. The egg albumin and egg yolk weighed 26.21g and 16.55g respectively. The egg weight positively correlated with all the traits studied. A principal component analysis on these traits extracted three principal components that accounted 75.80%. The diversity shown by these eggs shows a huge potential for improvements of egg quality characteristics through proper selection and breeding.
Standard heterosis of pipeline maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for grain yield an...Premier Publishers
The knowledge of gene action and heterosis also helps in identification of superior F1 hybrids in order to use further in future breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of standard heterosis of the pipeline maize hybrids for grain yield and yield related traits. A total of eleven pipeline maize hybrids and two standard checks (BH546 and BH547) were evaluated using randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2015 main cropping season at Northwestern Ethiopia. Mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for most grain yield and yield related traits indicating the existence of genetic variation among the evaluated genotypes. The standard heterosis ranged from -38.72 to 33.65%and the highest heterosis was recorded for CML395/CML202//CML464 cross. The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and related traits indicated the possibility of increasing yield by exploiting heterotic potential of maize genotypes. The information generated by this study could be useful for researchers who need to develop high yielding maize hybrids.
Participatory variety selection of Faba Bean for yield components and yield a...Premier Publishers
Faba bean is one the major highland grain food legumes contributing an enormous amount of protein to the human diet in Ethiopia. Though a lot of improved varieties were released by research centers farmers depend on low yield and local varieties. Participatory variety selection is one of the methods used to evaluate varieties through involvement of users. The participatory faba bean variety selection was conducted during 2014 cropping season at Chiro and Gemachis districts on two farmers training center and three farmers field. Eight released varieties with one local check were laid out in Randomized complete block design in three replications on Farmers training center and single plot on farmer’s field. Agronomic and farmer selection data were collected and analyzed. From all the tested varieties, variety Hachalu was superior in grain yield (1437 kg ha-1) and ( 808 kg ha-1) while Wayu variety was yielded (719 kg ha-1) and 796 (kg ha-1) at Chiro and Gamachis respectively. The lowest grain yield was obtained from Obse (215 kg ha-1) variety at Chiro and Local variety (581 kg ha-1) at Gemachis respectively. In case of farmer preference Hachalu score higher mean value (3.8) followed by Tumsa (3.6) and least mean value was recorded from variety local (2.2). Therefore, the varieties selected by researcher and farmer data Hachalu, Wayu and Tumsa were recommended for further production in these areas.
Economics of production and egg quality characteristics of Layer Chickens Fed...AI Publications
The study evaluated the effect of prosopis africana seed coat meal (PASCM) on the economics of production and egg quality characteristics of three hundred (300) Nera brown layer chickens thatwere fed for 39 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to 5 experimental diets with 3 replications of 20 birds each. The diets were formulated with the inclusion of PASCM at 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30% levels for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and the data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance in a completely randomized design. Results obtained showed that in the economics of egg production, egg/hen/day, egg sales/day (₦) and profit/day (₦) decreased with increased PASCM inclusion in the diets. While most of the egg quality parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments, except egg weight, egg length, shell thickness and egg shape index. The economics of production and egg quality characteristics showed that 20% PASCM inclusion level resulted in optimum production and hence this level is recommended for adoption.
Evaluation of Effect of Storage Period on Bulk density of Stored Grain Maize ...Premier Publishers
The experiment was conducted in 2017/18 for the evaluation of effect of storage period on bulk density of stored maize grains. The experiment was replicated three times in randomized complete block designs. The treatments were three storage types (Gombisa, sack and Hermetic bag and storage periods (initial loading day, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) months. All the data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) by using the PROC GLM procedure and difference among means were compared by the least significant difference (LSD). The correlation between parameters was examined using Pearson ‘s correlation coefficient using PROC CORR procedure of the SAS software. The result showed significant different (P<0.05) among storage periods and high bulk density 704.3 Kg/m3 was recorded in the initial first two months of storage whereas, the minimum 556.4 Kg/m3 value was obtained in 6 months. The bulk density values in each storage exhibited significant reduction as the storage periods increased reaching down to 523.3 kg/m,3 for Gombisa and 573.0 Kg/m3 for Sack and Hermetic bag at the last six months of storage periods. From this study, it can be concluded that until the fourth months of storage the grains have better bulk density and also Hermetic bag storage showed better result throughout the storage periods.
Egg quality characteristics and phenotypic correlations among egg quality tra...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Strains found among Tswana chicken population include the naked neck, dwarf, frizzled, rumpless and normal-feathered (normal). Internal and external egg quality characteristics and phenotypic correlations among egg quality traits in different strains of Tswana chickens under intensive management have never been evaluated. The study was conducted to determine the internal and external egg quality characteristics of the naked neck, normal and dwarf strains of Tswana chicken. A total of 200, 185 and 175 eggs were collected from the naked neck, normal and dwarf strains, respectively, for external and internal egg quality analysis. No significant differences in albumin height, albumen pH and yolk pH were found between the strains. The naked neck strain however produced eggs with the highest egg weight, albumen weight, albumen content, egg volume and egg surface area and the lowest yolk content. The dwarf strain had the lowest egg weight, albumin weight, egg volume, and egg surface area and the highest egg shell thickness.All the three strains of Tswana chicken produced eggs of acceptable quality. The naked neck strain however had the best egg quality characteristics, followed by the normal strain and lastly the dwarf strain. Of the three strains, the naked neck strain had the strongest correlation coefficients among external and internal egg quality characteristics and between external and internal egg quality characteristics. Egg weight was positively and highly correlated with other egg quality traits such as egg length, egg width, egg volume, egg surface area, albumen weight and yolk weight in the three strains of Tswana chicken. Selection for higher egg weight is likely to lead to the greatest improvements in other egg quality characteristics (both internal and external) in the naked neck than in the normal and dwarf strains.
Pattern of Dry Matter Distribution, Yield and Nutritional Composition of some...Premier Publishers
The orange-fleshed sweet potato contains β-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. There is, therefore, the need to promote the cultivation and consumption of the OFSP. Twelve accessions of the orange-fleshed sweet potato, namely, F2M5/3, Ng – Jay, MD, F1M1/4, ELINDA, SOUL, AI2IB, TIS. 87/0087/08, KWARA/00, F1M4/11, SOLO – 1/100 and SOLO – 1/144, were evaluated for dry matter distribution, yield potentials and nutritional composition in the Jos-Plateau environment, Nigeria in 2016, using the randomized complete block design with four replications. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the accessions using standard procedures. Results showed that total dry matter increased with time up to 90 DAP and thereafter decreased in all but accessions F2M5/3, SOUL and SOLO-1/100. The proportion of dry matter in the leaves and stems was generally higher than in the tubers at the early stages of growth in all the accessions. At the end of the growing season, however, the dry matter partitioned to the tubers was generally higher than in the leaves and the stems. Total tuber yield was highest in the accession Ng-Jay (8.2 t/ha) and lowest in the accession ELINDA (2.0 t/ha). Except for calcium, all other nutrient elements varied with accession. The highest fat and β-carotene contents were observed in the accession SOLO-1/144. The OFSP accessions used in this study showed promising potentials for high yields and nutritional composition in the Jos-Plateau environment. They are, therefore, recommended for further screening and selection.
The comparative efficiency of organic and synthetic fertilizers were studied on maize and cowpea, two staple
Nigerian crops. Chemical fertilizer did not support yield as much as poultry manure (PM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi(AMF), individual or in a combined state. The combination of PM and AMF was the best application expressing
yield in form of shoot productivity. Glomus clarum was a good fertilizing candidate in this study
Breeding high iron pearl millet cultivars: present status and future prospectsICRISAT
Micronutrient malnutrition, widespread in resource poor families in the developing world where large populations rely on cereals as staple food, has emerged as a major health challenge. Over 60% and 30% of the world’s populations are deficient in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), respectively. About 80% of pregnant women and 70% children are reported to suffer from Fe deficiency, while 52% children (<5 years) have stunted growth in India2,3. Biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural approach to deliver essential micronutrients through staple foods. Pearl millet is an important staple food in the arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. The primary focus of HarvestPlus-supported pearl millet biofortification research at ICRISAT is on improving Fe density with Zn density as an associated trait.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits in...Premier Publishers
A varietal diallel of eight parents (3 sweet corn, 1 popcorn and 4 field corn) was evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farms of College of Agriculture, Lafia and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi respectively, to estimate combining ability, heterosis and gene action. The experiments were laid out as 8x8 α-lattice design with three replications in both locations during the 2018 rain-fed cropping season. Data was collected on emergence count, chlorophyll content, days to tasselling, days to silking, plant height, ear height and grain yield. A significant difference (p≤ 0.05 and p≤ 0.01) in the General Combining Ability (GCA), Specific Combining Ability (SCA) and Reciprocals was observed, with apparent additivity for all the traits. Both negative and positive GCA, SCA and Reciprocal effects and heterosis were observed for all the traits studied. Recurrent selection in TZY-sh2-Y, MAW-sh2-W, SAMMAZ 39, TZEE 2009 and MAY-PC-Y for earliness, dwarfism, vigour and yield was recommended for further breeding towards the improvement of these genotypes in the Southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken feed during laying.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken’s feed during laying.
Moringa is a plantfood of high nutritional value, ecologically and economically beneficial and readily available in the countries hardest hit by the food crisis. http://miracletrees.org/ http://moringatrees.org/
Genetic control and heterosis depend directly on genetic divergence among the parents in generating promising hybrids
required by plant breeders. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of heterosis, combining
abilities, regression and correlation estimates in order to develop hybrid cultivars in maize. The 28 F1 hybrids obtained by
partial diallel cross of 8 inbreds in a randomized complete block design were evaluated at the Lower Niger River Basin
Authority, Oke-Oyi, Nigeria in three years. General (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) produced significant (P
< 0.01) effects for all the characters, while non-additive genetic effects were predominant. The levels of heterosis for grain
yield varied widely among crosses, ranging from -16.83 to 9.76%. Positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic
correlations among grain yield and some related characters (days to anthesis and silking; plant and ear heights; number of
ears plant-1 and 1000 seed weight) showed that each character could be used indirectly to selection of grain yield. These
results also indicated that SCA was more effective than heterosis for describing hybrid performance. The regression of
actual hybrid characters on the expected hybrid characters, based on parental GCA values, was highly significant.
Regression analysis also showed that all the agronomic characters jointly contributed 19.4% to grain yield of maize. The
inbreds (Pop 66 SR and 2000 EV DT-Y STRC4) and crosses (Pop 66 SR x, 2000 EV DT-Y STRC4, Pop 66 SR x KU1409
and 9006 x KU1409) featured prominently with respect to better GCA × Year and SCA × Year effects with high heterotic
values for maize grain yield and associated characters. These inbreds could serve as donors to obtain early and short
statured hybrids with higher yield, while the crosses may be exploited and adapted to the Nigerian Savannas. This study
also affirmed that genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients as well as combining abilities, heterosis and regression
analyses were found to be suitable models for yield improvement in maize breeding.
Quality Characteristics, Phenotypic correlations and Principal Component Anal...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The aim of this study was to characterize indigenous chicken eggs and create an inventory that will set a base for designing breeding programs to improve egg quality traits. 338 eggs of mixed breeds of indigenous chickens from small scale farmers in Lusaka were collected and used in this study. A number of external and internal traits were measured manually. The eggs had a weight of 49±0.44g with a length of 54.55mm and 40.31mm wide. Other traits measured included egg shell weight and length, with the egg shell accounting for 12.78% of the total weight of the egg. The egg albumin and egg yolk weighed 26.21g and 16.55g respectively. The egg weight positively correlated with all the traits studied. A principal component analysis on these traits extracted three principal components that accounted 75.80%. The diversity shown by these eggs shows a huge potential for improvements of egg quality characteristics through proper selection and breeding.
Standard heterosis of pipeline maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for grain yield an...Premier Publishers
The knowledge of gene action and heterosis also helps in identification of superior F1 hybrids in order to use further in future breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of standard heterosis of the pipeline maize hybrids for grain yield and yield related traits. A total of eleven pipeline maize hybrids and two standard checks (BH546 and BH547) were evaluated using randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2015 main cropping season at Northwestern Ethiopia. Mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for most grain yield and yield related traits indicating the existence of genetic variation among the evaluated genotypes. The standard heterosis ranged from -38.72 to 33.65%and the highest heterosis was recorded for CML395/CML202//CML464 cross. The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and related traits indicated the possibility of increasing yield by exploiting heterotic potential of maize genotypes. The information generated by this study could be useful for researchers who need to develop high yielding maize hybrids.
Participatory variety selection of Faba Bean for yield components and yield a...Premier Publishers
Faba bean is one the major highland grain food legumes contributing an enormous amount of protein to the human diet in Ethiopia. Though a lot of improved varieties were released by research centers farmers depend on low yield and local varieties. Participatory variety selection is one of the methods used to evaluate varieties through involvement of users. The participatory faba bean variety selection was conducted during 2014 cropping season at Chiro and Gemachis districts on two farmers training center and three farmers field. Eight released varieties with one local check were laid out in Randomized complete block design in three replications on Farmers training center and single plot on farmer’s field. Agronomic and farmer selection data were collected and analyzed. From all the tested varieties, variety Hachalu was superior in grain yield (1437 kg ha-1) and ( 808 kg ha-1) while Wayu variety was yielded (719 kg ha-1) and 796 (kg ha-1) at Chiro and Gamachis respectively. The lowest grain yield was obtained from Obse (215 kg ha-1) variety at Chiro and Local variety (581 kg ha-1) at Gemachis respectively. In case of farmer preference Hachalu score higher mean value (3.8) followed by Tumsa (3.6) and least mean value was recorded from variety local (2.2). Therefore, the varieties selected by researcher and farmer data Hachalu, Wayu and Tumsa were recommended for further production in these areas.
Economics of production and egg quality characteristics of Layer Chickens Fed...AI Publications
The study evaluated the effect of prosopis africana seed coat meal (PASCM) on the economics of production and egg quality characteristics of three hundred (300) Nera brown layer chickens thatwere fed for 39 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to 5 experimental diets with 3 replications of 20 birds each. The diets were formulated with the inclusion of PASCM at 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30% levels for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and the data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance in a completely randomized design. Results obtained showed that in the economics of egg production, egg/hen/day, egg sales/day (₦) and profit/day (₦) decreased with increased PASCM inclusion in the diets. While most of the egg quality parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments, except egg weight, egg length, shell thickness and egg shape index. The economics of production and egg quality characteristics showed that 20% PASCM inclusion level resulted in optimum production and hence this level is recommended for adoption.
Evaluation of Effect of Storage Period on Bulk density of Stored Grain Maize ...Premier Publishers
The experiment was conducted in 2017/18 for the evaluation of effect of storage period on bulk density of stored maize grains. The experiment was replicated three times in randomized complete block designs. The treatments were three storage types (Gombisa, sack and Hermetic bag and storage periods (initial loading day, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) months. All the data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) by using the PROC GLM procedure and difference among means were compared by the least significant difference (LSD). The correlation between parameters was examined using Pearson ‘s correlation coefficient using PROC CORR procedure of the SAS software. The result showed significant different (P<0.05) among storage periods and high bulk density 704.3 Kg/m3 was recorded in the initial first two months of storage whereas, the minimum 556.4 Kg/m3 value was obtained in 6 months. The bulk density values in each storage exhibited significant reduction as the storage periods increased reaching down to 523.3 kg/m,3 for Gombisa and 573.0 Kg/m3 for Sack and Hermetic bag at the last six months of storage periods. From this study, it can be concluded that until the fourth months of storage the grains have better bulk density and also Hermetic bag storage showed better result throughout the storage periods.
Egg quality characteristics and phenotypic correlations among egg quality tra...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Strains found among Tswana chicken population include the naked neck, dwarf, frizzled, rumpless and normal-feathered (normal). Internal and external egg quality characteristics and phenotypic correlations among egg quality traits in different strains of Tswana chickens under intensive management have never been evaluated. The study was conducted to determine the internal and external egg quality characteristics of the naked neck, normal and dwarf strains of Tswana chicken. A total of 200, 185 and 175 eggs were collected from the naked neck, normal and dwarf strains, respectively, for external and internal egg quality analysis. No significant differences in albumin height, albumen pH and yolk pH were found between the strains. The naked neck strain however produced eggs with the highest egg weight, albumen weight, albumen content, egg volume and egg surface area and the lowest yolk content. The dwarf strain had the lowest egg weight, albumin weight, egg volume, and egg surface area and the highest egg shell thickness.All the three strains of Tswana chicken produced eggs of acceptable quality. The naked neck strain however had the best egg quality characteristics, followed by the normal strain and lastly the dwarf strain. Of the three strains, the naked neck strain had the strongest correlation coefficients among external and internal egg quality characteristics and between external and internal egg quality characteristics. Egg weight was positively and highly correlated with other egg quality traits such as egg length, egg width, egg volume, egg surface area, albumen weight and yolk weight in the three strains of Tswana chicken. Selection for higher egg weight is likely to lead to the greatest improvements in other egg quality characteristics (both internal and external) in the naked neck than in the normal and dwarf strains.
Pattern of Dry Matter Distribution, Yield and Nutritional Composition of some...Premier Publishers
The orange-fleshed sweet potato contains β-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. There is, therefore, the need to promote the cultivation and consumption of the OFSP. Twelve accessions of the orange-fleshed sweet potato, namely, F2M5/3, Ng – Jay, MD, F1M1/4, ELINDA, SOUL, AI2IB, TIS. 87/0087/08, KWARA/00, F1M4/11, SOLO – 1/100 and SOLO – 1/144, were evaluated for dry matter distribution, yield potentials and nutritional composition in the Jos-Plateau environment, Nigeria in 2016, using the randomized complete block design with four replications. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the accessions using standard procedures. Results showed that total dry matter increased with time up to 90 DAP and thereafter decreased in all but accessions F2M5/3, SOUL and SOLO-1/100. The proportion of dry matter in the leaves and stems was generally higher than in the tubers at the early stages of growth in all the accessions. At the end of the growing season, however, the dry matter partitioned to the tubers was generally higher than in the leaves and the stems. Total tuber yield was highest in the accession Ng-Jay (8.2 t/ha) and lowest in the accession ELINDA (2.0 t/ha). Except for calcium, all other nutrient elements varied with accession. The highest fat and β-carotene contents were observed in the accession SOLO-1/144. The OFSP accessions used in this study showed promising potentials for high yields and nutritional composition in the Jos-Plateau environment. They are, therefore, recommended for further screening and selection.
The comparative efficiency of organic and synthetic fertilizers were studied on maize and cowpea, two staple
Nigerian crops. Chemical fertilizer did not support yield as much as poultry manure (PM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi(AMF), individual or in a combined state. The combination of PM and AMF was the best application expressing
yield in form of shoot productivity. Glomus clarum was a good fertilizing candidate in this study
Breeding high iron pearl millet cultivars: present status and future prospectsICRISAT
Micronutrient malnutrition, widespread in resource poor families in the developing world where large populations rely on cereals as staple food, has emerged as a major health challenge. Over 60% and 30% of the world’s populations are deficient in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), respectively. About 80% of pregnant women and 70% children are reported to suffer from Fe deficiency, while 52% children (<5 years) have stunted growth in India2,3. Biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural approach to deliver essential micronutrients through staple foods. Pearl millet is an important staple food in the arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. The primary focus of HarvestPlus-supported pearl millet biofortification research at ICRISAT is on improving Fe density with Zn density as an associated trait.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits in...Premier Publishers
A varietal diallel of eight parents (3 sweet corn, 1 popcorn and 4 field corn) was evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farms of College of Agriculture, Lafia and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi respectively, to estimate combining ability, heterosis and gene action. The experiments were laid out as 8x8 α-lattice design with three replications in both locations during the 2018 rain-fed cropping season. Data was collected on emergence count, chlorophyll content, days to tasselling, days to silking, plant height, ear height and grain yield. A significant difference (p≤ 0.05 and p≤ 0.01) in the General Combining Ability (GCA), Specific Combining Ability (SCA) and Reciprocals was observed, with apparent additivity for all the traits. Both negative and positive GCA, SCA and Reciprocal effects and heterosis were observed for all the traits studied. Recurrent selection in TZY-sh2-Y, MAW-sh2-W, SAMMAZ 39, TZEE 2009 and MAY-PC-Y for earliness, dwarfism, vigour and yield was recommended for further breeding towards the improvement of these genotypes in the Southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken feed during laying.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken’s feed during laying.
Carcass, Organ Weights and Histo-morphology of Internal Organs of Sows Fed Fe...Premier Publishers
Fresh cassava peels were subjected to submerged fermentation, sundried for 3-5 days and also subjected to proximate analysis. Fermentation reduced cyanide and improved crude protein. A group of 27 weaner gilts (Largewhite x Duroc), aged 8-9 weeks and weighed 10.61±0.27kg were fed fermented cassava-peels-based-diets. They were allotted to three treatments comprising T1 (control), T2 (fermented CPM) and T3 (fermented CPM + enzyme) in a completely randomized design and fed for 22 weeks. Data on carcass and some visceral organs weights were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Histo-morphology on the organs was conducted. The dressing percentages were 66.53, 60.25 and 64.11% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively whereas the head, heart, lungs and kidney were the weightiest for T1, the stomach/intestine for T2 and the liver and spleen for T3 while the histo-morphology of T1 sows were all normal except for mild architectural deviation in the duodenum and ileum. Histo-morphological changes were observed in the ileum and duodenum of T2 and T3. It is therefore recommended that fermented peels be supplemented with enzyme for improvement in dressing percentage and watch-out for pathological lesions in the visceral organs.
Evaluation of Grain Cowpea for Protein and its Inheritance in Anyigba, Kogi S...Premier Publishers
Three cowpea lines are selected based on their percent crude protein and used as parents in crosses in the following Combinations: Sampea-6 (High): IT825-124 (Low); sampea-6 (High) x T89KD-286(Low) and I7825-124 (Low) x 1789KD-288 (Low). In the first cross, the following generations were obtained in addition to the parental reciprocals F1s, reciprocal backcrosses and F2 in the remaining two crosses. Only the reciprocal F1s and F2 population were obtained in addition to the Parental. The F1 means of per cent crude protein content were either closer to or lower than the low protein parent, thus indicating partial dominance to over dominance of low protein over high. No Significant differences were observed between reciprocal F1’s, indicating the absence of maternal effects. The F2 distributions for percent protein were normal, suggesting the involvement of multiple genes, thus supporting the estimate of three major genes with possible modifiers. Broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from 40.77 to 73.4% in the crosses low x low protein to high x low protein. Narrow-sense heritability estimates ranged from 26.8 to 40% in the crosses low x low protein to high x low protein. These estimates indicate considerable genetic influence, some of which were additive. In all crosses, negative phenotypic and genotypic correlations predominated for yield, numbers of seeds/pod and number of days to flowering with per cent protein. Significant negative phenotypic correlations were obtained between numbers of pods/plant and per cent protein while, 100-seed weight showed mostly positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with per cent protein. Positive correlations predominated between days to maturity and per cent protein. Some high yielding segregants had high protein percentage, suggesting that high yield and high protein percentage can be combined into a suitable genotype most especially with the weak negative correlations between these characters.
Estimate of Genetic Variability Parameters among Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea ...Premier Publishers
Sixteen groundnut genotypes (including local check) were evaluated for quantitative parameters. The crop was sown during 2015 wet season in Ethiopia across four locations. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Twelve quantitative parameters were studied. The analysis of variance revealed the prevalence of significant difference among the genotypes for all studied parameters. Based on mean performance of genotypes Beha gudo, Manipeter and Werer-962 were found to be best for grain yield in kg/ha. High to moderate estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were exhibited by all characters except for SHP and NSP indicating that those characters could be used as selection indices for crop improvement. High heritability was observed for 100SW (91.2%), AGBP (90.3%), NBP (90.2%), PH (89.4%), NMP (86.8%), NSPOD (85.7%), HI (83.7%) and KY (79.7%) accompanied by high genetic advance indicating the predominant role of additive gene action and the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of groundnut genotypes based on these characters. Low broad sense heritability and low genetic advance was observed only for SHP and NSP indicating low genetic potentials for these characters and non-additive gene effect prevails.
Moringa is a plantfood of high nutritional value, ecologically and economically beneficial and readily available in the countries hardest hit by the food crisis. http://miracletrees.org/ http://moringatrees.org/
Reports of improvement in sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) for grain yield and agronomic traits
through introgression of genes from the field corn (Zea mays L.) are common in literature. However, few
studies have reported improvement in field corn varieties for organoleptic and/or nutritional properties
through the transfer of recessive alleles that condition sweetness in sweet corn into the field corn. Field
and laboratory studies were conducted to determine changes in quantitative and qualitative
characteristics of three F1 hybrids derived by crossing sweet corn (pollen parent) unto field corn and
their F2 populations derived by sibmating approximately 200 ears from each of the F1 hybrids. Our
results showed significant changes in grain yield, grain protein concentration, carbohydrate and
calcium contents in the F1 hybrids and F2 populations. One hybrid (Pop31DMR x Sweet corn) had 21%
grain yield advantage over the maternal parent while another hybrid (Obatanpa x Sweet corn) showed
superiority for grain protein (27.3%) with corresponding lower carbohydrate content. Grains obtained
from the F2 populations had lower seed protein content than their respective maternal parents or the F1
hybrids and with corresponding higher carbohydrate content. Percent (%) loss in grain protein in the F2
seeds was higher than for other nutrient elements. Modest heterotic response was recorded for grain
yield in Pop31DMR x Sweet corn cross and for grain protein concentration in Obatanpa x Sweet corn
cross.
Effects of Seasonal Changes on Nutrients Composition and in Vitro Gas Assessm...ijtsrd
Animal performance mainly depends on the quantity and quality of forage available as feed and animal feed represents one of the major cost in animal production. Consequently, a research was conducted to investigate the effect of seasonal changes on nutrients composition, and in vitro gas assessment of Cajanus cajan as a fodder crop. Cajanus cajan foliage was harvested from the pasture unit of the University farm after cut back was done and samples were collected every 28 days of every month from July to March of the following year and each month serve as a treatment and T1 July…March T9. The samples were oven dried to determine chemical composition, minerals, secondary metabolites and in vitro gas evaluation using standard techniques. The results of chemical composition showed that crude protein CP and crude fibre varied from 17.12 to 19.44 and 21.57 to 24.83 respectfully. Similarly, all the minerals composition calcium Ca , phosphorus P , magnesium Mg , potassium K , sodium Na , manganese Mn , copper Cu zinc Zn , iron Fe and secondary metabolites phenols, phytates, oxalates, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and lectins were significantly P 0.05 different across the treatments. All other parameters such as dry matter DM , ash, ether extract EE , nitrogen free extract NFE , non fibre carbohydrates NFC and carbohydrates CHO were varied significantly P 0.05 except the organic matter OM that was similar across the treatments. Fibre fractions Neutral Detergent Fibre NDF , Acid Detergent Fibre ADF , Acid Detergent Lignin ADL , Hemicellulose and Cellulose showed significant P 0.05 differences except ADL that was similar throughout the season. In vitro fermentation study revealed that methane CH4 , total gas volume TGV , dry matter degradability DMD , organic matter digestibility OMD , metabolisable energy ME , short chain fatty acids SCFA , and fermentation efficiency FE ranged between 3.00 and 7.50ml, 7.00 and 14.00ml, 44.37 and 56.79 , 37.56 and 43.48 , 4.25 and 5.12MJ KgDM, 0.11 and 0.28µmol, 4.00 and 6.78 respectively. Significant differences P 0.05 occurred among the months regarding the in vitro gas parameters. evaluated. The CP levels, CF and ADF indicated that Cajanus cajan would be digestible. In vitro fermentation results showed that CH4 ranged value was very low, an indication of low loss of energy feed if fed to ruminants. Dry matter degradability DMD and organic matter digestibility OMD of Cajanus cajan as affected by season change were relative low owing to relative high level of ADF, NDF and some secondary metabolites. However seasonal variation had significant P 0.05 effects on the chemical composition except for Ash, OM and ADL composition that were similar across the seasons. Similarly, the results of in vitro gas assessment showed that seasonal change had significant influence on the parameters measured. Amuda, A. J. | Okunlola, D. O "Effects of Seasonal Changes on Nutrients Composition and in Vitro Gas Assessment of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus C
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
All manuscripts are subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication in another journal) will be published without delay.
Growth and yield of 12 accessions of Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) as influenced ...Innspub Net
Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) has gained important commercial status in Nigeria due to its nutritional, medicinal and health benefits. In recent times, there is a growing preference for pure organic food due to the envisaged health and environmental benefits. Thus, a study was carried out on 12 selected accessions of pawpaw evaluated under three poultry manure (PM) application rates at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The field experiment was a split plot in randomized complete block design of three replications. The main plot treatment was three PM application rates (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and the sub-plot treatment was 12 accessions of pawpaw. Accession Ijm-Cl-Ro significantly (p<0.05) produced the tallest plants (71.7, 87.3, 108.3, 127.4 and 150.0cm) at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months after transplanting (MAT), respectively. It had the greatest number of fruits (9.3) at 11 months after the onset of fruit formation, maximum fruit weight (7.15kg) and the highest fruit yield (23.83 t ha-1). Increasing PM rate increased growth traits of the pawpaw plants. Interaction of manure rate × accession on most of the growth attributes varied greatly, but showed no significant difference on yield traits. The accession Ijm-Cl-Ro with the application of 10 t ha-1 of PM which produced the best growth and highest fruit yield is recommended for improved productivity of pawpaw. The control plot produced no fruit throughout the study period, suggesting that manure application is crucial for sustained yield of pawpaw in the study area.
Genetic Diversity and Selection Criteria in Blast Resistance Rice (Oryza sati...Premier Publishers
Genetic diversity has been a critical step in knowing the different growth traits for selection and varietal improvement of rice. The present study aimed to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients among the growth traits and to work out how to select between traits. Three field experiments were carried out in Malaysia during the cropping season of 2016/2018. Sixteen advanced blast resistant rice lines were studied in order to find out the genetic diversity in some quantitative characters and to find out the relationship between yield and yield related components by using the multivariate analysis. The field trials were conducted in a split-plot design replicated three times in a plot of 35 × 28.5 m2. The planting distant was 25 × 25 cm spacing and the plot size was 2 × 1.5 m2 unit for genotype in each replication. There was a significant difference among the characters, most of the genotypes responded significantly. The high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability, relative distance and genetic advance indicated that different traits especially tonnes per hectare (Tha), grain weight per plot (GWTPP) and kilogram per plot (kgplot) significantly influenced the yield trait. In addition, the genotypes were grouped into 9 major clusters based on the assessed characters by using the UPGMA dendrogram. Group 1 with Group VII could be hybridized in order to attain higher heterosis or the best between the genotypes, which becomes helpful in developing a good selection in rice.
Genotype by Environment Interaction on Yield Components and Stability Analysi...Premier Publishers
Newly developed varieties can only contribute to increased productivity if high producing varieties are released in production niches they are adapted to. In order to enhance adoption of new improved cassava varieties in western Kenya, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) on agronomic and farmer preferred traits of cassava and to asses yield stability of 16 cassava genotypes. The study was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications across five different environments of western Kenya. AMMI analysis of variance identified highly significant (P= 0.001) GEI effects for plant height, height at first branching, and fresh root yield. Generally, GEI effects accounted for 14.98%, 24.64% and 28.3% variability in PH, HB, and FRY respectively. GGE biplot analysis shows that MM06/0138, MM96/9308, MM97/0293, MM98/3567, MM06/0074, MM96/4271 were high yielding and stable genotypes. AMMI stability value revealed that genotype MM06/0143 combined high stability for plant height, height at first branching, number of storage roots and fresh root yield. Genotypes MM06/0138, MM98/3567, MM96/9308, MM97/0293, and MM06/0074 outperformed the check in storage roots yield exhibited high yields in farmer preferred traits and were classified as stable genotypes. Therefore, recommended for release to farmers.
Evaluation of Soya Bean Varieties at Moisture Stress of Eastern Harerghe Zone...CrimsonpublishersMCDA
Soya bean is a multi-purpose crop. The area of production for soybeans is expected to increase due raised demand of domestic processing industries and boosted demand for use in animal feed. This experiment were conducted with the objective of identify superior genotypes in terms of yield, insect pest & disease tolerance/resistance and with desirable agronomic traits for the last two years of (2014 & 2015). Analysis of variance showed that there were significant difference among the varieties in terms of disease reaction, grain yield and yield related attributes. Korme, Ethio-eugoslavia and Didesa provided about 32.67%, 29.11%, 22.55%, yield advantages over the standard check (Clark), respectively. Therefore, the three high yielding varieties (Korme, Ethio-eugoslavia, and Didesa) were selected and recommended for further production at Fedis and similar agro-ecologies.
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Similar to Evaluation of biochemical and yield attributes of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria (20)
This study was carried out in Osogbo township of Osun State, Nigeria to isolate and determine prevalence and pathogenicity of microorganisms associated with deterioration of sweet orange fruits. Twenty samples of 20 infected and 20 non-infected sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis L) were collected from four open markets (Akindeko, Igbonna, Oja-Oba and Sabo markets) each. The samples were transported immediately to Fountain University Microbiology Laboratory for pathogenic analysis. The oranges were rinsed with distilled water and serially diluted in 10 folds. The highest three dilutions were considered for microbial count analysis. Each of the orange was cut and the liquid content inoculated on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar, incubated at 370C and 250C respectively. They were observed for seven days, and the different colonies isolated using the slide culture technique. Biochemical analyses of the culture showed that Apergillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia spp, Rhizopus spp and Shigella spp had the highest load. Pathogens prevalence revealed that Staphylococcus spp had highest (12.63%) at Sabo, 4.94% at Igbonna and 10.43% at Akindeko. Aspergillus spp with 6.60% and 17.58% loads were identified at Sabo and Oja-Oba respectively. Rhizopus spp had 21.97% at Oja-Oba, E. coli, 17.58% at Igbonna and Shigella spp, 8.24% at Akindeko. Rhizopus spp and Aspergillus spp were the most active microbes with respective 100% and 90% infections, while the least active microbes were Staphylococcus spp and Shigella spp. Harvesting fruits at the suitable periods and stored the harvested orange fruits under controlled conditions could aid in retarding the microbial growth of post-harvest spoilage of pathogenic microorganisms.
Ultraviolet (UV) light has strong genotoxic effect to induce mutations for developing high genetic variability in yields, early maturity and other characters in crops. The study investigated the mutagenic effects of UV radiation on growth, yield, agronomic and mutation tolerance of six maize cultivars. Maize seeds were exposed to UV radiation, and planted in 7 kg soils in the polythene bags, while unexposed served as control. The effect of UV radiation on the first order interaction between weeks after planting (WAP) and treatments was only significant (p<0.05) height="true"><0.05)><0.05)><0.05)><0.01) with leaf length, leaf width and number of leaves with r = 0.95, 0.96, 0.89 respectively. Only the periods of exposure of the UV radiation was positive and strongly correlated with leaf width (r = 0.79). The association between the stover weight and periods of exposure was positive and insignificant, while the correlation between total numbers of grains and grain weight per stand was positive and strong (r = 0.99). Therefore, quality protein maize cultivars should be improved by introgression of favourable genes of drought tolerance, grain yield and related characters through induced mutation of UV radiation.
This study was carried out to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms associated with
deterioration of tomato fruits. Fruit samples of infected and non-infected tomatoes were collected from
two open markets, Oja-Oba and Sabo in Osogbo, Nigeria. Each of the tomato was cut and the liquid
content inoculated on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar, incubated at 37 0C and 25 0C, respectively,
and observed from 24 hours to 5 days, after which different colonies obtained were identified using slide
culture technique. Two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp, as well as two fungi Aspergillus
flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer were observed in the tomato samples in both markets. Prevalence indices
revealed that isolated pathogens is higher at Sabo market than Oja-Oba market. Pathogenicity tests also
revealed that both of bacteria and fungi caused fruit decay. Consumers’ awareness on potential health
hazards of consuming relatively cheaper and pathogen contaminated spoilt fruits should be intensified.
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of time of application and rates on the
performance of performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) on July and November 2013 at Lapai (9o
2' N and 6o34'E) and Mokwa (9o 8'N and 5o4'E) in the southern Guinea savanna ecology of Nigeria, The
experiments consisted of three (3) levels of poultry manure application time (two weeks before planting, at
planting and two week after planting) and four (4) levels of poultry manure application rates(0, 5, 10 and 15
t ha-1). The experiments were laid out as a 3 x 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design. Data
collected include plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches fruit weight, pod length, pod
diameter and cumulative yield. The result showed that the application of poultry manure two weeks before
planting significantly produced taller okra plants, higher number of leaves, wider leaf area and more okra
branches than other treatments in the two locations in 2013 cropping season. Fruit characteristic results
followed the same trends. In the case of the poultry manure rate, the application of 10 t ha-1significantly
produced taller okra plant, higher number of leaves, wider leaf area and more okra branches than other
treatments in the two locations in 2013 cropping season. The application of 15 t ha-1 was comparable to 10 t
ha-1 but significantly different from 5 t ha-1 and no application in the two locations in 2013 cropping season.
This result therefore recommended that poultry manure should be applied at least two weeks before planting
at 10 t ha-1
Genetic characterization of morphological and yield traits in ten genotypes of Celosia argentea L. was evaluated
at the Research Farm of the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out
in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The results of analysis of variance carried out on
early morphological characters of C. argentea L. at 3, 4, and 5weeks after sowing showed significant
(p<0.05 /><0.01) effects except for number of leaves per plant and leaf width at 3 and 5 weeks after sowing,
respectively. The replicates in blocks produced varying observable effects on the genotypes while genotype x
replicate showed significant variation on morpho-agronomic and yield traits except number of days to flowering
at 50 days and fruit length at maturity. Also, from the result of the mean separation, it is shown that
NG/MAY/09/015 performed the best for plant height at flowering, leaf length at flowering, leaf width at
flowering, and root biomass. NG/SA/07/213 produced the highest mean values of number of flowers per plant,
leaf biomass and pod weight at maturity. The highest values of number of primary branches and fruit length at
maturity (FLM) were observed for NG/TO/MAY/09/015, while NG/AO/MAY/09/015 had the highest for pod
weight at maturity. The result of principal component axis also showed that Prin 1 accounted for highest Eigen
Vector of 38.62% from the total variation. NG/MAY/09/015 (R2) genotype produced the highest Eigen Vector
of 6.705 from Prin 1. The correlation result showed that plant height had a significant positive association with
seed weight at maturity, pod weight at maturity, number of primary branches and fruit length at maturity, while
similar association existed between leaf biomass, number of primary branches and pod weight at maturity, as
well as between plant height at flowering and pod weight at maturity. Again, the number of primary branches is
also positive and significantly correlated with plant height, root biomass and leaf length. Furthermore, the
results of dendrogram and minimum spanning tree revealed variations in genetic relatedness and distance,
respectively, which exist among the population of the C. argentea L.
Sixteen genotypes of maize were evaluated for genetic variability and character associations in the Research
Farm of the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Nigeria for 90 days in the 2012, 2013 and 2014
cropping seasons. Perforated polythene bags (18 × 9 cm) were filled with 6kg sandy-loam soil and were spaced
at a distance of 10 cm apart between rows. Three seeds from each genotype were then planted per bag without
treatment in three replicates. Data on plant and stem height, leaf width, leaf length and number of leaves were
collected after planting at 14 days interval on each replicate for a particular genotype. The plant height of
EVDT.Y200STRQPM genotype was significantly (p < 0.05) different from other genotypes, while genotype
pairs; TZE-OR2DTSTRQPM and 2009TZE-ORIDTSTRQPM, TZEI 22, TZEI 98 and OBANTAPA, TZEI 4,
TZEI 161, BODIJA as well as EVDT-W99STR, OJO, 98SYNWECSTRQPM were similar to each other. The
result of correlation coefficient shows that stem height was highly significant and positively correlated with the
plant height (p < 0.01; r = 0.91). The genotype is negative and non-correlated with plant height, stem height, leaf
width and number of leaves, but positive and non-significantly associated with leaf length, replicate and week
after planting.
The ethanol extracts of Ficus asperifolia, Mormordica charantia, Anacardium
occidentals and Psidium guajava were evaluated sole and in treatment combinations at 25, 50 and
75mg ml-1 concentration levels against the mycelial growth of Macrophomina phaseolina of
Cowpea. The pathogen was cultured on plates containing botanicals amended Potato Dextrose
Agar (PDA) in three replicates while only ethanol treated PDA tested plates served the control
experiment. The radial growths were recorded at 4th, 6th and 8th day after inoculation. Data
obtained were analysed using the SAS software program version 9.2. The extract of Mormordica
charantia was the most effective in the botanical treatments alone. The most significant inhibition
of Macrophomina phaseolina were observed from the combined treatments of Ficus asperifolia,
Mormordica charantia and Anacardium occidentals (3.11 cm), followed by Mormordica
charantia and Psidium guajava (3.29 cm), then combination of four extracts; Ficus asperifolia,
Mormordica charantia, Anacardium occidentals and Psidium guajava (3.53 cm), then
Mormordica charantia and Anacardium occidentals (3.84 cm). Other treatments, either alone or in
combination produced significant result compared to the control experiment (6.94 cm). However,
the efficacy of botanicals increased with concentration and also significantly correlated with time
and reduction in mycelia extension of the pathogen. More so, variability in the antifungicidal
potentials of the botanicals on Macrophomina phaseolina ranges from 15.93% to 34.06%
according to Eigen proportions. The treatment combinations of; Ficus asperifolia, Mormordica
charantia and Anacardium occidentals at 75mg ml-1 concentration level produced the most
inhibitory effect against Macrophomina phaseolina in vitro. However, the untreated plates did not
show inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Therefore, combined treatments of
botanicals could be a potential source in the practice of plant disease control.
The first edition of this book ‘‘PLANT LIFE DIVERSITY’’ comprised of eleven Chapters which include the following: 1. The characteristics of soil environment, 2. The plant kingdom, 3. Thallophyta (Fungi, Algae, Bacteria and Lichens), 4. Phycophyta (Algae), 5. Mycophyta (Fungi), 6. Lichens, 7. Bryophyta, 8. Pteridophyta (Ferns), 9. Angiosperms and Gynmnosperms, 10. Forms and functional adaptation of plant to ecosystem and 11. Growth in plants. This book is meant for students of Pre-Degree, B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. of Biological group such as Plant Sciences, Zoology, Plant Breeding and Bio-sciences.
Two separate experiments were conducted at the sereenhouse of the Unilorin Sugar Research Institute
(USRI) IIorin, to investigate the optimum concentration of a weak acid solution required for the presciption of cut
sugarcane stalks during hybridization. In the first experiment. stalks of two (2) sugarcane varieties (LS 1-047 and LS1057)
which were at the flowering. phase were immersed in three (3) eonecntrations(Blank, O.004M nnd 0.006M
respectively) of sulphurous acid (H2SO]) solution. In the second experiment, stalks of three (3) varieties viz: LSI-047,
LSI-057 and C06806 at the vegetative phase and those of LSI-047, LSI-050, LSI-054, LSI-057, B6609 and'C06806 at
the Dowering phase were also immersed in four (4) concentrations (i.e. Blank, 0.0021\1, 0.004M and O.OO(,M
respectively) of sulphurie acid (H2S04) solution.
Our results showed a rapid decline in the physiologienl activities of the sugarcanc stalks regardlcss of the
concentration and/or the source of the weak acid used as preservative solution. Flowering sequence was also disrupted
in the flowering stalks since none of the varieties could proceed to tile next ,phase, indicating that the stock solutions
were toxic to the test varieties. However, rooting and side shoot emergence (beginning from the riftll and ,cvcnth day
rcspeetively) were observcd ill the sugareanc stalks at both the vegetative and Oowerillg ph,lsl's or diiTercnl
eoneelllralion of the weak 1-1250 •. indicating Ih,1I the: i'nrlJ'ulal ions 'frolll 112SO., were less tOXIC {O ti,l'. l''" 1-::. d"'11 {I")';l'
or the 1-1)50. where the test varie{les nl:ilhl:r r()o(ed nor produce sid\' ,hm)l.
i\ILllllllgh 1110 (2) or the: \'arie:lIl'S (L,SI-O'17 ,md 1..'()ll~()I,) ,'ppe"rl'" III PUSs,'ss greater {,lkral":C: k.\cl I·.' Ii;.: .!,!!"<',.:l'>I, 1:';11' lil<.'>
exoLic judging by their overall performance.
Terminalia avicennioides is an important medicinal plant used to manage many pathological
conditions among most inhabitants of rural communities in Nigeria and many other African countries. It
belongs to family Combretaceae and found commonly growing in the savannah region of West Africa. The
parts of the plant mostly used for medicinal purpose are root and stem barks extracts, which are rich sources
of phytochemicals such as anthraquinone, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes among others. In folk
medicine, there are claims that the plant has been used to cure various diseases such as dental caries, skin
infections, sore and ulcer, syphilis, bloody sputum, ringworm infection, gastrointestinal helminthes and several
others. In this review, we have tried to provide bases for most of these claims at the instance of the results of
modern investigations on the biological activities of the plant extract. The possibility of employing the plant
extract in the field of green chemistry for probable application in biomedical industries was also discussed.
Keywords: Terminalia avicennioides, uses, phytochemicals, biological activities, nanoparticles
Combining ability studies for maize grain yield and other agronomic characters were carried out using
ten open-pollinated maize varieties and their 45 F1 hybrids in a Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth endemic
zone (Shonga) and non-endemic zone (Ilorin) in Kwara State, Nigeria, during the 2005 cropping season.
Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects for Striga related
characters such as Striga shoot counts, syndrome ratings, flowering Striga shoots and barren maize
plants were generally low, suggesting the role of additive and dominant gene action in tolerance to S.
hermonthica (Del.) Benth. Parents Acr 94 Tze Comp5 and Tze Comp3 C2 had significant (p < 0.05)
positive GCA effects for grain yield and other agronomic characters in both Striga endemic and nonendemic
environments respectively. Crosses Tze Comp3 C2 x Hei 97 Tze Comp3 C4, Tze Comp3 C2 x
Acr 94 Tze Comp5 and Ak 95 Dmr - Esrw x Acr 94 Tze Comp5 had significant (p < 0.05) positive SCA
effects for grain yield only in Striga endemic environment. These parents and hybrids appeared to have
gene pools for S. hermonthica tolerance that can be manipulated and used to develop promising
hybrids for early maturity and high grain yield across the Southern Guinea Savanna ecology.
Development of drought-tolerant maize varieties with high and stable yields is very imperative as being affordable alternative to
many smallholder farmers. Drought-tolerant maize varieties belonging to two maturity groups (10 early and 10 late/intermediate) were evaluated
for yield and other related characters in the southern guinea savannah (SGS) of Nigeria for two years. Days to flowering were higher in
the second year than the first year. Consistent number of days (3 days) was recorded for anthesis-silking interval in both years. Plant and
ear heights are greater in 2008 than 2007. However, plant and ear aspects were fair in overall phenotypic appeal and grain yield was not
significantly difference in both years. Maize grain yield in late/intermediate varieties is significantly higher than the early with a difference of
one tonne. High grain yield recorded in two varieties each among the early (AC 90 POOL 16 DT STR and TZE-Y DT STR C4) and late/
intermediate (DT-SR-WC0 F2, SUWAN-1-SR-SYN) varieties was approximately 4.6 t/ha. These genotypes could be used either as cultivar
per se to escape the prolonged moisture stress during the later part of the cropping season or introgressed with favourable cultivars for high
yield adaptable to drought-prone areas in SGS ecologies.
Field experiments were conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm in 2005 and
2006 cropping seasons with the objective to evaluate the combining ability for maize grain yield and
other agronomic characters in 10 open pollinated maize varieties, which have been selected for high
yield and stress tolerance. General combining ability (gca) and year (y) effects were significant for all
the parameters except plant height, while specific combining ability (sca) and gca x year effects were
significant only for grain yield. However, Tze Comp4 Dmr Srbc2, Tze Comp4 C2 and Acr 94 Tze Comp5
which are good general combiners for maize grain yield, also showed positive significant gca x year
effects for flowering traits. Significant sca x year interaction effects were recorded for maize grain yield
and days to flowering, with Hei 97 Tze Comp3 C4 combining very well with 3 parents (Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt,
Tze Comp4-Dmr Srbc2 and Tze Comp4 C2). These parents and their hybrids probably have genes that
can be introgressed into other promising lines in developing early maturing and high yielding varieties
for cultivation in the Nigeria savannas.
This study was explored to determine the effect of the grain
yield and its related characteristics on 10 open-pollinated maize varieties and
their 45 F1 hybrids using correlation and path coefficient analysis. A two-year
study was conducted on maize genotypes at the University of Ilorin Teaching
and Research Farm Ilorin, Nigeria, during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons.
Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for
days to 50% tasselling with plant and ear height, and grain yield with plant
height, number of grains ear-1 and ear weight. Positive and significant
environmental correlation was also recorded for grain yield with plant and ear
height, and ear weight. The path analysis revealed that, days to 50% silking,
ear weight and number of grains ear-1 had the highest direct effect on grain
yield, while number of grains ear-1 had the highest moderate indirect negative
effects on grain yield. Days to flowering, plant and ear height, number of grains
ear-1 and ear weight could be the important selection criteria in improving open
pollinated maize varieties and hybrids for high grain yield.
Change in climate and consequent global warming are posing threats to food security in many developing nations including Nigeria because of the climate-dependent nature of agricultural systems and lack of coping capabilities. The spatiotemporal pattern of temperature and rainfall of Nigeria between 1901 and 2005 (105 years), using temperature and rainfall data to support the concept of regional climate change and its impact on Agriculture and food security was in-vestigated. Also assessed was the level of agriculture funding and output in Nigeria. Mean annual air temperature and rain-fall data between 1901- 2005 (105 years) were obtained from Food and Agricultural Organization publications, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria bulletin and National Meteorological Agency. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that within the period of 105 years, rainfall decreased by 81 mm with increasing temperature of 1.1℃. The unpredictability of rainfall and steadily increasing air temperature were observed from 1971-2005. The total federal budget between 2001 and 2005 averaged 824 billion Naira per year of which very small amount (14.7 billion (1.8%)) went to agricultural sector. The actual spending was 681 billion Naira per year with 11.4 bil-lion Naira for agriculture. Over 25 years, there were low and dramatic walloping of public spending in agriculture relative to large size and importance of agricultural sector in the economy. There is a continuous rise in output from 1987 to 2000 before it dropped in 2001. Land degradation, desert encroachment, drying up of surface waters, coastal inundations, and shift in cultivated crops over time affected the food security in Nigeria. The current available data showed that Nigeria, like most parts of the world is experiencing the basic features of climate change. Therefore, Nigerian government/ private sector partnership should encourage agricultural, industrial and domestic practices which will not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gasses.
protein maize (QPM) production. A field trial was therefore conducted to compare the performance of
six hybrids (three each of QPM and normal endosperm) at three population densities using a split-plot
design at the sub-station of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Oke-Oyi, in the
southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Plant population
densities (53,333, 66,666, and 88,888 plants ha
-1
) constituted the main plots and the six hybrids were
assigned to the subplots, replicated three times. Our results showed a differential response of maize
hybrids to high densities, with plant populations above 53,333 plants ha
-1
reduced grain yield, and this is
more pronounced in QPM than normal endosperm hybrids. This is contrary to the results observed in
many other countries. This might be that the hybrids were selected in low yield potential area at low
plant densities, and hence not tolerant to plant density stress. It may also be due to low yield potential
of the experimental site, which does not allow yield increases at high plant densities. Though normal
endosperm hybrids 0103-11 and 0103-15 as well as QPM Dada-ba were superior for grain yield among
the hybrids at 53,333 plants ha
-1
, hybrid 0103-11 was most outstanding. Therefore, genetic
improvement of QPM and normal endosperm hybrids for superior stress tolerance and high yield could
be enhanced by selection at higher plant population densities.
Knowledge of the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic gains in selection of desirable characters could assist the plant breeder in ascertaining criteria to be used for the breeding programmes. Ten open pollinated maize varieties were evaluated at the Teaching and Research farm, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, during 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of grain yield and its component characters. The effect of genotype and genotype by year interaction were significant for ear weight and grain yield, while the effect of year was highly significant (P< 0.01) for all the characters. High magnitude of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations as well as high heritability along with high genetic advance recorded for grain yield, number of grains ear-1, ear weight, plant and ear heights provides evidence that these parameters were under the control of additive gene effects and effective selection could be possible for improvement for these characters. Tze Comp3 C2, Acr 94 Tze Comp5, Tze Comp 4-Dmr Srbc2 and Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt were identified as outstanding genotypes for maize grain yield and should be tested at multilocation for their yield performance.
Context: Development of early maturing maize cultivars that remain productive under low N fertilizer farming system, consistent with the farmers’ technologies is a prerequisite to improving adoption of new varieties without increasing production cost.
Objective: To assess the performance of ten early open pollination maize varieties (OPVs) and their F1 hybrids for grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and also identify productive cultivars under low N fertilizer regimes.
Materials and Methods: The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with three N fertilizer levels (0, 45 and 90 kg N ha-1) as main plot and the genotypes as sub-plot. Each plot within N level was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design of four replications. Ten OPVs were crossed in a half diallel to generate 45 F1 hybrids during 2004 and 2005 growing seasons. Planting were carried out on 20th July, 2005 and 2nd July, 2006. Agronomic characters studied were grain yield, maize establishment count, days to 50% tasselling and silking as well as plant and ear heights.
Results: The year 2005 growing season was better for all observed characters amongst all the genotypes than the year 2006. Although, expressions of these traits in the hybrids were relatively higher than the OPVs including the grain yield. The total increase in grain yield observed was 1.72 t ha-1 and 1.95 t ha-1 for OPVs and hybrids respectively on application of 90 kg ha-1 over no N-application. However, NUE was optimum at 45 kg N ha-1 in both groups. Grain yield and NUE correlated positively with growth characters measured except for days to 50% silking. Higher genetic gains were recorded for plant and ear heights.
Conclusion: Two drought tolerant varieties (Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt and Tze Comp3 Dt) that combined well with specific cultivars for grain yield and NUE probably have gene pools for low N-tolerance.
Drought-tolerant maize genotypes belonging to two different maturity (10 early and 10 intermediate) groups were
evaluated for yield and other related characters in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria for two years (2009 and
2010). The differences among genotypes between and within maturity groups differed significantly (P<0.01)><0.01) only for grain yield. The rainfall patterns were favourable in
both cropping years with comparable values of growth parameters. Intermediate maturing genotypes (TZL COMP1-
W C6 F2, SUWAN-1-SR-SYN, TZB-SR, OBA SUPER I, EV 8435-SR) out-yielded early maturing ones with yield
advantage of 34.29% and taller by 17.04% compared to early ones. However, early genotypes were early to
anthesis with 6.57% advantage over intermediate genotypes. Four early genotypes (DMR-ESR Y CIF2, AC 90
POOL 16 DT, STR, TZE-W DT STR C4 and ACR 95TZE COMP4 C3) were superior for grain yield withn a range of
4.39 to 4.68 t ha-1. These genotypes could be selected either as parental breeding cultivars to overcome the
problem of moisture stress during the later part of the cropping season or introgressed with favourable cultivars for
high yield adaptable to drought-prone areas in the SGS agro-ecology.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...Sérgio Sacani
We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field (JOF), the deepest
imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of the ancillary Hubble optical images (5 filters
spanning 0.4−0.9µm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5µm, including 7 mediumband filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hours per filter. We combine all our data
at > 2.3µm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈ 31.4 AB mag in the stack and
30.3-31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.1” circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric
redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts
z = 11.5 − 15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R1/2 ∼ 50 − 200pc, stellar masses of
M⋆ ∼ 107−108M⊙, and star-formation rates of SFR ∼ 0.1−1 M⊙ yr−1
. Our search finds no candidates
at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward modeling approach to
infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that
marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the
impact of non-detections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results,
and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼ 2.5
from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical
models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
2. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
161 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
From the human nutrition view point, lysine is
the most important limiting amino acid in the
maize endosperm protein, followed by
tryptophan.
Quality protein maize (QPM) was
developed by combining the genetic systems
of the gene mutant opaque-2 (δ2
) (Mertz et al.
1964, 279-280) and genetic endosperm
modifiers (Vasal 2000, 445-450 Prasanna et
al. 2001, 1308-1319 Vasal 2001, 80-121
Gupta et al. 2009, 230-237). The genetic
system of the δ2
gene is qualitative. However,
because it is recessive, the effects are
expressed in the endosperm when three
alleles, two from female parent and one from
male parent are present. It increases lysine
and tryptophan in endosperm by acting on the
four types of storage proteins in maize
endosperm: albumins, globulins, zeins, and
glutelins. Zeins contain low lysine with
0.1g/100g while glutelins are considerably
rich in lysine with 2g/100g or more (Lin et al.
1997, 355-362). The δ2
mutant increases the
level of lysine and tryptophan by suppressing
or reducing the synthesis of zeins and
increasing that of glutelins (Habben et al.
1993, 825-838). The δ2
gene adversely affects
several important agronomic traits including
kernel characteristics. It adversely affects the
accumulation of dry matter resulting in lower
yields due to increased endosperm size. The
kernel phenotype is changed in a soft, and dull
appearance. Kernels dry slowly following
physiological maturity of the grain and have a
higher incidence of ear rots. Other changes
include larger germ size and low kernel
density (Moro et al. 1995, 94-99).
The δ2
-endosperm genetic modifiers
however are genes capable of altering the
expression of other genes at different loci in
the genome, and alter the undesirable
correlated effects of δ2
gene (Thain et al.
2003). The parties of the endosperm modified
are vitreous and hard instead of being opaque
and soft (Villegas et al. 1992, 27-48). The δ2
-
modified endosperm varieties have agronomic
characteristics comparable with those of
normal maize. Endosperm modification of
QPM is also accompanied by slight increase
in total proteins and fast decrease in lysine
and tryptophan (Bjarnason et al. 1992; 181-
216; Vasal 2000, 445-450). Several
conventional breeding programs that
improved those agronomic shortcomings and
amino acid contents through backcrossing and
recurrent selection, have developed varieties
with high protein value and favorable texture
of QPM (Prasanna et al. 2001, 1308-1319).
Previous studies reported lysine content
of 1.80-4.5% in QPM genotypes. These
values were less than those reported by some
researchers in wheat, rice, barley, oats,
sorghum and normal maize (Vasal 2005).
Tryptophan contents of 0.94-1.06% recorded
in QPM were two-fold greater than those
reported for normal maize (Olakojo et al.
2007, 97-104). Earlier workers (Gupta et al.
2009, 230-237; Upadhyay et al. 2009, 9-14;
Mbuya et al. 2010, 325-332) suggested that
QPM could assist in reducing protein
deficiencies, especially in children where
maize consumption dominated in their diets.
The QPM is also cheaper, more affordable
and easier to produce compared to animal
protein (Olakojo et al. 2007, 97-104). Hence,
breeding and production of QPM stands out as
an alternative protein source for poor-resource
farming communities. Against these
backgrounds, evaluation of QPM yield
potentials and amino acid contents in the
target environment is prerequisite for adoption
by the farmers. Keeping in view with the
aforementioned, the present study was
therefore conducted to (i) evaluate some
QPM, inbred lines, hybrids and open
pollinated genotypes developed for acceptable
level of tryptophan and lysine (ii) Assess them
for grain yield characteristics in the southern
Guinea savanna agro-ecology for three
cropping years.
Materials and Methods
Description of genetic materials
Twenty two QPM genotypes including five
open pollinated maize varieties (OPVs), nine
inbred lines, eight hybrids and two local checks
used as control were evaluated for nutritional
qualities and grain yield characteristics during
three years (2009-2011) in late cropping seasons
3. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 162
at the Lower Niger River Basin Development
Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin (Latitude 80
30’N, 80
36’
E and Longitude 40
31’N, 40
33’E),
located in the southern Guinea savanna of
Nigeria. The seeds of nine inbred lines and four
OPVs were obtained from International Institute
of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), while five
hybrids from Institute of Agricultural Research
and Training, (IAR & T), Ibadan, Nigeria. One
of the OPVs (Obatanpa) and three hybrids were
obtained from the Crops Research Institute
(CRI), Kumasi, Ghana (Table 1).
Experimentation
The trials were established on 1st
August, 2009,
29th
July, 2010 and 27th
July, 2011. The trials
were laid out each cropping year in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with four replications, and at a planting distance
of 0.75m between the rows and 0.5m between
plants within the rows. Each plot was six rows
and the outer rows were used for destructive
sampling, while observations were taken from
the four middle rows. Three seeds were
planted/hill and later thinned to two/hill, two
weeks after planting (WAP) to provide a
uniform plant population of about 53,333 plants
ha-1
. Agronomic practices included pre-
emergence application of herbicide ((a.i. 3kg l-1
Metolachlor, 170g l-1
Atrazine and 3kg l-1
Paraquat per hectare) to control weeds and
supplemented by hoe weeding when necessary.
Compound fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) was
applied as split-dosage at the rate of 80kg ha-1
of
N, 40 ha-1
of K2O and 40 ha-1
of P2O5 (3 WAP)
and at anthesis (7 WAP), as side dressing.
Table 1: Source of collection and characteristics of the QPM varieties evaluated at Oke Oyi,
Ilorin, Nigeria
Varieties Source of collection Seed colour Kernel texture Type
Obatanpa CRI Ghana White Flint OPV
EV8766-SR IITA/CIMMYT Yellow Dent OPV
EV8363-SR IITA/CIMMYT White Dent OPV
Pool 18-SR IITA/CIMMYT Yellow Flint OPV
Pool 19-SR IITA/CIMMYT White Flint OPV
Mama-ba CRI Ghana White Flint Hybrid
CIDA-ba CRI Ghana White Dent Hybrid
Dada-ba CRI Ghana White Flint/ Dent Hybrid
ART98-SW6-OB IAR & T, IBADAN White Flint/ Dent Hybrid
ART98-SW5-OB IAR & T, IBADAN White Flint Hybrid
ART98-SW4-OB IAR & T, IBADAN White Flint Hybrid
TZPB-OB IAR & T, IBADAN White Flint Hybrid
ILEI-OB IAR & T, IBADAN White Flint Hybrid
CML176 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML177 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML178 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML181 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML437 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML490 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML491 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML492 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
CML493 IITA/CIMMYT White Flint/ Dent Inbred line
Oba-Super 1 LOCAL CHECK White Flint Local variety
SUWAN-1-SR (DMR) LOCAL CHECK White Flint Local variety
Data collection
Data related to grain yield and yield
characteristics were obtained at harvest. All
ears harvested from each plot were weighed to
determine grain yield per plot (assuming 80%
shelling percentage), and was later converted to
tonnes per hectare (t ha-1
) after adjusting to
15% moisture content. The sample of one
thousand grain was collected from each plot at
harvest for the determination of harvest
moisture. The samples were first weighed to
4. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
163 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
obtain initial weight followed by drying to a
constant weight in the oven at 80o
C and the
difference between the two weights recorded as
moisture at harvest. Additional data collected
on yield components were cob length (cm), cob
diameter (cm), cob weight (g), kernel number
per cob, kernel rows per cob, kernel row
number, kernel depth (cm) and 1000 kernel
weight (g). Kernel-rows per cob were counted
from five cobs from each entry. The weights of
sun dried 1000-grain samples drawn at random
in each plot were recorded in grams at 15 per
cent moisture content, with an electronic
balance. Length of the ear was measured in
centimeters (from the base to the tip of the cob)
and recorded as cob length. Number of kernel
rows per cob were counted and recorded.
Number of kernels per row were counted and
average values were recorded.
Laboratory analysis
The laboratory studies involved the
determination of the approximate composition
of QPM and the local maize genotypes. Five
ears were randomly selected in each plot at
harvest, followed by careful removal of the
grains by hand. From each genotype, equal
number of grains were selected from each plot,
mixed together to form a balanced bulk. The
grains obtained were ground to form a fine
powder and each sample was oven dried to a
constant weight at 80°C to obtain grain
moisture content. Three replicate
determinations were analyzed for each
genotype and the mean recorded for each
sample. Crude protein determination was
estimated using standard micro-Kjeldahl
procedure (AOAC 2006, 215-275).
The amino acid was determined using the
procedure as described by Sentayehu (2008, 9-
15). Maize flour samples of 0.5 gm were
weighed in tarred scoop and transferred to
boiling tubes. A selenium catalyst tablet was
dropped into each tube and about 25ml of
concentrated sulfuric acid was added. The
tubes were then placed in an automatically
controlled heater and set at 200o
C. The
mixtures were heated until the color changed to
light blue. For samples which developed digest
color of light brown or yellow, digestions were
repeated twice or more times. Thirty mls of
distilled water were added into the digestion
tube. During this procedure, the organic matter
of QPM flour oxidized, and the nitrogen in the
protein was converted to ammonium by
sulfuric acid as described by Aykroyd et al.
(1964, 150) and Purseglove et al. 1968.
Ammonium in the digestion mixture was
determined by distillation and titration
(Aykroyd et al. 1964, 150). The digestion tube
was placed onto the Tecator steam distillation
apparatus. The distiller was set, the digestion
tube inserted in the system and 150 mls
ammonia were collected in the receiver flask
containing 50 ml of boric acid solution at 4%.
Then ammonia was titrated against a standard
acid (0.1 N 10%HCl). Since 1 ml of 0.1 N HCl
is equivalent to 1.401 mg N, the nitrogen
content of the sample was calculated as
follows.
%N = (ml HCl-ml black) x normality x 14.007 x 100
(1)
mg sample
% Protein = %N x 6.25
Due to the simplicity of the estimation of
tryptophan, its content has been used as a
criterion for screening materials with superior
protein quality. For estimation of tryptophan in
opaque-2 maize materials, the papain
hydrolysis method was used (Hornandez et al.
1969).
A single step papain hydrolysis was
utilized for protein solubilization. Iron ions
oxidized acetic acid to glyoxylic acid in the
presence of sulphuric acid. The indole ring of
free tryptophan as well as that bound in soluble
proteins reacted with glyoxylic acid and a
violet-purple compound is produced. The
intensity of the violet-purple color was
measured at 545 nanometer a with
spectrophotometer. By use of a standard curve
of optical density vs. tryptophan concentration,
percent tryptophan in sample was recorded as
follows:
% tryptophan in protein = % tryptophan in sample
% protein in sample
(2)
5. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 164
The relationship observed by various
researchers (Mertz et al. 1964, 145-279
Hornandez et al. 1969, Doll and Koie 1975,
55-59) between tryptophan and lysine in the
maize endosperm protein, thus the tryptophan
was used as a parameter for protein quality
evaluation, and the value was increased 4
times to obtain the value of lysine (Sentayehu
2008, 9-15). The zein dry matter percentage
was estimated by the formula suggested by
Drochioiu et al. (2002, 47-61) given as:
% Zein in dry matter =
% crude protein x 0.386-2.22. (3)
Statistical analyses
Data collected from the field experiments and
laboratory samples were statistically analyzed
using PROC GLM model of SAS (SAS
Institute 2007) to compute mean square for
each parameter. Variety effect was considered
statistically significant at p<0.01. Analysis of
variance (ANOVA) on individual year basis
was first computed before a combined
ANOVA across years. Genotypic correlation
coefficients were estimated from the mean
squares and mean across products as
suggested by Mode and Robinson 1959, 518-
537. The correlation coefficients were
partitioned into direct and indirect effects
using the path coefficient analysis according
to Dewey and Lu 1959, 515-518. Pertinent
means were separated by the use of least
significance difference (Steel et al. 1980). The
degree of variation was estimated using
percentage coefficient variation, all at p<0.05.
Results and Discussion
Biochemical analyses
Biochemical analyses of the QPM genotypes
showed that the varietal effects of crude
protein, zein dry matter, zein in crude form,
lysine and tryptophan were significantly
different among the QPM genotypes at p<0.01
(Table 2). Zein dry matter had the highest
mean square value (1872.6) followed by crude
protein (4.35), while lowest value of 0.072
was recorded for lysine. Obi (1982, 15-20)
and Olakojo et al.( 2007, 97-104) made
similar observations that lysine content of
some QPM genotypes varied significantly at
p< 0.05. However, the QPM genotypes and
the standard checks varied significantly from
one another with respect to crude protein and
other amino acids (Table 3). This probably
suggests that high variability exists in maize
genotypes with respect to these biochemical
parameters. Therefore plant breeders could
find this attribute useful in genetic
manipulation and cultivar development for
enhanced protein biochemical parameters.
Crude protein and other amino acids were
very high among the hybrids followed by
inbreds, open pollinated varieties and the
controls, in that order (Table 3). Mbuya et al.
(2011, 317-327) reported 37% lysine content
advantage over the normal maize varieties.
Hybrid ART98-SW5-OB generally yielded
the highest values of crude protein and amino
acids compared with other genotypes. Hussain
et al. (2006, 385-389) reported that while
crude protein content in QPM hybrids is
slightly improved, their lysine contents
improved by 82 to 98% of the normal
hybrids. The authors further observed that on
the relative grain yield basis, the QPM
hybrids have almost doubled their lysine
content. Across the inbreds, crude protein
ranged from 6.79% (CML493) to 8.23%
(CML178), while in open pollinated varieties
(OPVs), it ranged between 6.89% (Pool 19-
SR) and 7.34% (EV8363-SR). The trend was
comparable to that of zein with a range of
0.63% (ILEI-OB) to 0.82% (ART98-SW5-
OB), 0.46% (CML491) to 0.66% (CML492)
and 0.30% (EV8766-SR) to 0.63% (EV8363-
SR) in the hybrids and inbreds and OPVs
respectively. Percentage zein content of the
two local checks, Oba-Super 1 (0.29) and
SUWAN-1-SR (0.26) were the lowest
compared to the other genotypes. Hybrid
ART98-SW5-OB had a yield advantage of
60% for zein content over SUWAN-1-SR.
Similarly, ART98-SW5-OB had the highest
amount of crude zein (mLµg-1
) with yield
advantages of 19, 24 and 32% over the best
inbreds, OPVs and checks respectively.
6. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
165 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
Table 2: Mean square of crude protein and essential amino acids of 22 quality protein maize (Zea
mays L.) genotypes and two local checks cultivated in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
Source of
variation
Crude protein
%
Zein dry
matter %
Zein crude
ml/µg
Lysine
%
Tryptophan
%
Replicate 0.31 0.00045 3.99 0.0067 0.0018
Variety 4.35** 1872.6** 0.75** 0.072** 0.0007**
Error 0.09 0.68 0.005 0.005 0.00006
** Significant at p<0.01
Table 3: Means of crude protein and essential amino acids of 22 quality protein maize (Zea mays
L.) genotypes and two local checks cultivated in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria
Variety Crude protein
(%)
Zein dry
matter %
Zein crude
ml/µg
Lysine
%
Tryptophan %
OPVs
Obatanpa 7.21 0.56 140.13 3.53 0.67
EV8766-SR 7.10 0.30. 143.87 3.49 0.66
EV8363-SR 7.34 0.63 147.38 3.47 0.75
Pool 18-SR 7.23 0.45 141.42 3.56 0.70
Pool 19-SR 6.89 0.45 134.72 3.48 0.62
Hybrids
Mama-ba 8.14 0.76 163.85 3.66 0.70
CIDA-ba 7.57 0.83. 159.67 3.59 0.71
Dada-ba 8.23 0.77 157.45 3.59 0.71
ART98-SW6-OB 6.34 0.68 194.78 3.68 0.78
ART98-SW5-OB 8.34 0.82 158.34 3.83 0.82
ART98-SW4-OB 8.33 0.81 159.,67 3.59 0.72
TZPB-OB 8.12 0.75 129. 78 3.67 0.67
ILEI-OB 6.02 0.63 126.,83 3.36 0.64
Inbreds
CML176 7.34 0.65 156.93 3.18 0.60
CML177 7.57 0.55 148.83 3.16 0.79
CML178 8.23 0.56 151.78 3.27 0.63
CML181 7.34 0.60. 157.73 3.01 0.71
CML437 7.34 0.53 157.21 3.08 0.63
CML490 8.03 0.65 146.98 3.29 0.52
CML491 7.14 0.48 153.58 3.29 0.56
CML492 8.13 0.66 152.39 3.15 0.67
CML493 6.79 0.60. 132.65 3.26 0.46
Local checks
Oba-Super 1 4.35 0.29 131.48 2.78 0.44
SUWAN-1-SR (DMR) 3.23 0.26 124.64 1.55 0.31
Mean 7.74 0.55 148.84 3.35 0.72
CV (%) 3.05 9.04 25.85 2.56 12.05
LSD (0.05) 0.89* 0.04* 1.97* 1.34* 0.04*
*, Significant F test at 0.05 levels of probability
7. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 166
Correlation coefficients analysis of
biochemical parameters
Pearson correlation (r) among various
biochemical parameters of the QPM genotypes
in this trial revealed that crude protein was
highly significantly positively correlated with
tryptophan (r = 0.78**), but correlated
negatively with zein dry matter, zein crude and
lysine with coefficients of r = -0.58, -0.91** and
0.93** respectively (Table 4). Pixley and
Bjarnason 1993, 1229-1234 earlier reported the
need for monitoring protein content, tryptophan
and lysine while breeding or selecting for QPM
genotypes. Lysine was positive and highly
significantly associated with tryptophan (r=
0.90**), zein dry matter (r= 0.71**) and zein
crude (r= 0.79**). Similarly, zein dry matter
was positive but not significantly correlated with
zein crude. Tryptophan on the other hand was
negatively correlated with zein dry matter and
zein crude.
Table 4: Correlation coefficient (r) of amino acids and crude proteins of 22 quality protein maize (Zea
mays L.) genotypes and two local checks cultivated in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria
Crude protein Lysine % Tryptophan % Zein dry matter % Zein crude ml/µg
Crude protein - - - - -
Lysine % -0.93** - - - -
Tryptophan % 0.78** 0.90** - - -
Zein dry matter % -0.58 0.71* -0.72* - -
Zein crude ml/µg -0.91** 0.79** -0.31 0.32 -
*, ** Significant at < 0.05 < 0.01 level of probability, respectively
Table 5: Performance of 22 quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes and two local checks for
grain yield (t ha-1
) evaluated in 2009-2011 cropping seasons in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria
Genotype 2009 2010 2011
OPVs (t ha-1
) (t ha-1
) (t ha-1
)
Obatanpa 3.5 3.3 3.7
EV8766-SR 3.6 3.4 3.7
EV8363-SR 3.6 3.4 3.8
Pool 18-SR 3.7 3.7 3.9
Pool 19-SR 3.9 3.3 4.0
Hybrids
Mama-ba 4.1 4.0 4.3
CIDA-ba 4.2 3.8 4.0
Dada-ba 4.8 4.4 4.9
ART98-SW6-OB 3.8 3.6 4.5
ART98-SW5-OB 5.0 4.5 5.1
ART98-SW4-OB 4.8 4.5 5.0
TZPB-OB 4.5 4.4 5.2
ILEI-OB 4.2 4.0 4.4
Inbred lines
CML176 4.2 3.8 4.4
CML177 4.1 3.9 4.2
CML178 4.5 4.3 4.7
CML181 4.6 4.2 4.6
CML437 4.3 3.9 4.5
CML490 4.1 4.1 4.3
CML491 4.2 3.8 4.4
CML492 4.2 3.8 4.4
CML493 3.6 3.4 3.8
Local checks
Oba-Super 1 3.8 3.4 3.9
SUWAN-1-SR (DMR) 3.6 3.0 3.8
Mean 4.0
LSD (0.05) 0.45*
8. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
167 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
Grain yield and related attributes
Grain yield in maize is a complex character, and
is the result of correlation between yield and
yield components and between yield
components themselves. Therefore, it is
imperative to examine the contribution of each
of the various components in order to determine
which one has the greatest influence on grain
yield. This is a prerequisite to planning and
evaluating meaningful breeding programs.
Means for the interactive effect of genotype by
year (G x Y) was significant for grain yield
among the QPM genotypes and the standard
checks (Table 5). The QPM genotypes and
checks had the lowest grain yield in the year
2010 compared with 2009 and 2011. Rainfall
distribution that was higher and consistent
throughout the flowering/grain filling periods of
July to September in 2009 and 2011, and a
significant drop in rainfall in August, 2010
could contribute to significant differences
among the genotypes for grain yield (Figure. 1).
This relatively better rainfall pattern could
favour accumulation and translocation of photo-
assimilates in the genotypes with corresponding
larger ear size and, subsequently higher grain
yield (Bello et al. 2012, 52-61). This favorable
condition is often encouraged by high moisture
during the growing period (Akande and Lamidi
2006, 1744-1748 and Olakojo et al. 2007, 97-
104). In the present study, the hybrids were
superior for grain yield followed by inbreds,
OPVs and local varieties irrespective of the
cropping years. Hybrids ART98-SW5-OB,
ART98-SW4-OB, TZPB-OB and Dada-ba had
the highest grain yield of 5.0 t ha-1
with yield
advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best
inbreds, OPVs and checks respectively. The two
local checks (Oba-Super 1 and SUWAN-1-SR)
demonstrated instability of performance for
grain yield with a difference of 14.7% and 21%
yield loss in 2010 compared to 2009 and 2011
respectively. All the QPM genotypes had stable
grain yield except CML493 (inbred) and Pool
19-SR (OPV). Hussain et al., (2006; 385-389)
earlier reported that the hybrids had better yield
potential than the local checks. The authors
therefore suggested that QPM hybrids should be
released to farmers for adoption not only for
higher QPM grain yield but also superior protein
quality and amino acids contents.
Grain yield was significantly higher in 2009
and 2011 by 0.8 t ha-1
compared to 2010,
representing 22.2% yield increase (Table 6).
The differences in performance among the
genotypes for this character indicate variability
which could be heritable and can be exploited in
the overall process of selection in breeding
programs. Similar results were reported by
Ahmad et al. 2000, 2098-2100, and Hussein et
al. (2011, 626-628) who evaluated and
identified high yielding maize varieties among
different genotypes tested. McCutcheon et al.
2001; 54-56 and Akbar et al. (2009; 1817-1829)
also reported significant differences among
maize cultivars for grain yield. The hybrids
ranked best for grain yield in this study followed
by inbred lines, OPVs and standard checks. The
range was from 4.0-4.7, 4.0-4.4 and 3. 4-3.7 t
ha-1
of the hybrids, inbreds and OPVS values
respectively. It is worthy to note that most of the
hybrids and some inbred lines out-yielded the
OPVs and local checks with yield advantage of
about 38% over the best OPVs and local
varieties. The local varieties as the poorest
yielders may be due to genetic composition of
the genotypes. It has also been reported by many
researchers that QPM varieties widely grown in
many African countries produce higher grain
yield compared with the currently released
normal maize varieties for most grain yield
characters (Vasal 2000, 445-450; Sallah et al.
2004, 95-104 and Olakojo et al. 2007, 97-104).
Among the genotypes tested, highest grain yield
of 4.7 t ha-1
from ART98-SW5-OB was
recorded within the hybrids, 4.4 t ha-1
(CML178
and CML181), 3.7 t ha-1
in the OPVs, and 3.3 t
ha-1
(SUWAN-1-SR (DMR)) among the checks.
However, hybrid ART98-SW5-OB which
ranked first for grain yield out-yielded the OPV
checks by more than 44%. The genotypes also
differed significantly for yield contributing
characteristics among all the genotypes with
inbred lines ranked the highest followed by
hybrids, OPVs and the local checks on average
values. The cob weight ranged from 39-48 gm
in the inbreds, and between 39 and 45 g in both
hybrids and OPVs. The checks also had the least
cob weight range of 39-40 g.
9. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 168
Figure 1: Monthly rainfall distribution (mm) pattern (3 years) at Oke Oyi, Ilorin from 2009 to
2011
Source: Meteorological Department of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Ilorin,
Nigeria
Correlation coefficients analysis of grain
characteristics
Genotypic correlation coefficients between
grain characteristics showed that kernel
number per cob has the most positive
correlation (r=0.671**) with grain yield
followed by kernel rows per cob (r =
0.556**), cob diameter (r=0.543**) and cob
weight (r=0.452**) (Table 7). Crude protein
content recorded negative non-significant
association with all the traits studied including
grain yield except cob weight and kernel rows
per cob. The correlation between 1000-kernel
weight and cob weight was positive and
significant (r=0.571**). It seems that by
increasing cob weight due to more
accumulation of photo-assimilates, the
greatest portion of assimilates were relocated
to grains, so that grain weight increased.
Number of kernels per row was positively
correlated with grain yield. One thousand
kernel weight that was positively correlated
with grain yield confirmed the findings of
Dwivedi et al. 1997, 175-177; Jin and Wang
1997, 23-26; Gautam et al. 1999, 1169-1171;
Prakash et al.2006, 91-98 and Golam et al.
2011, 6147-6154. Khayatnezhad et al. 2010;
96-99 also reported that 500-grain weight had
the most highest correlation with grain yield.
Kernel rows per cob and kernel number per
cob that were positively correlated with grain
yield was also confirmed by Saha 1985, 240-
246 and You et al. 1998, 3-4.
2009
2010
2011
10. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
169 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
Table 6: Performance of 22 quality protein maize (Zea mays Li.) genotypes and two local checks
for grain yield characteristics evaluated in 2009-2011 cropping seasons in Oke Oyi, Ilorin,
Nigeria
Genotype Grain
Yield
(t/ha)
Kernel
number
per cob
(no)
Kernel
number
per row
(no)
Kernel
rows
per cob
(no)
Kernel
depth
(cm)
Cob
length
(cm)
Cob
diameter
(cm)
Cob
weight
(g)
1000
kernel
weight (g)
OPVs
Obatanpa 3.5 300 23 18 18.5 6.3 15.3 0.45 295.5
EV8766-SR 3.6 302 21 17 20.3 5.9 16.4 0.39 282.4
EV8363-SR 3.6 312 22 19 19.7 6.0 15.2 0.40 297.4
Pool 18-SR 3.8 298 20 20 16.8 5.8 16.1 0.42 267.4
Pool 19-SR 3.7 302 19 16 19.8 6.2 16.0 0.39 298.6
Hybrids
Mama-ba 4.1 299 25 18 19.4 6.0 16.0 0.44 289.6
CIDA-ba 4.0 306 24 19 21.5 5.7 15.9 0.45 296.2
Dada-ba 4.7 301 25 17 18.9 5.9 16.2 0.44 289.1
ART98-SW6-
OB
4.0 304 23 17 17.7 6.1 15.9 0.45 299.5
ART98-SW5-
OB
4.9 307 26 18 16.8 6.3 15.3 0.39 278.4
ART98-SW4-
OB
4.8 304 23 17 19.8 6.2 16.3 0.41 287.6
TZPB-OB 4.7 300 25 19 19.7 5.8 15.5 0.45 297.4
ILEI-OB 4.1 301 24 19 17.4 6.1 16.1 0.39 295.6
Inbred lines
CML176 4.1 300 19 20 19.5 5.7 15.4 0.39 289.9
CML177 4.1 299 23 16 19.4 6.1 16.1 0.38 296.9
CML178 4.5 302 25 17 16.8 5.9 15.7 0.43 300.3
CML181 4.5 298 24 18 17.7 6.0 16.0 0.45 275.0
CML437 4.2 301 20 19 17.7 5.9 15.8 0.39 302.4
CML490 4.2 304 23 19 17.4 6.2 15.9 0.40 297.6
CML491 4.2 297 22 17 17.5 5.9 15.4 0.43 267.0
CML492 4.2 303 23 16 16.5 5.9 15.2 0.39 298.6
CML493 3.6 302 24 17 19.7 6.0 15.7 0.48 300.9
Local checks
Oba-Super 1 3.7 278 19 19 18.8 6.2 14.7 0.39 286.2
SUWAN-1-
SR(DMR)
3.5 262 18 19 19.2 5.8 15.4 0.40 256.3
Mean 4.1 299 23 18 18.6 6.0 15.7 0.42 289.4
CV % 11.6 2.05 0.11 5.73 3.04 0.07 0.01 11.98 0.11
LSD (0.05) 0.45* 10.04* 3.07* 1.26* 1.11* 0.09* 0.94* 1.03* 12.24*
*, Significant F test at 0.05 level of probability
Number of kernels per row and kernel rows
per cob that have positive genetic correlations
with grain yield in this study were also
observed by previous workers (Wang et al.
1999, 211-222; Yousuf et al. 2001, 387-388
Liu 2009, 13-15 and Kashiani et al. 2010, 78-
84). The high correlation of grain yield with
the number of rows per cob recorded in this
study was also reported by other researchers
(Mohammadi et al. 2003, 1690-1697). A
highly significant and positive correlation
between grain yield and cob length was also
noticed by Rafiq et al. 2010, 35-38. In this
study the correlation between grain yield and
kernel depth was not significant. This
suggests that cob length is a more important
yield component than kernel depth in
contributing to final grain yield in maize.
Correlation of grain yield with grain number
per row noticed in this study was also
reported by Marefatzadeh and Hamidi 2010,
1-6 and Khodarahmpour et al. 2012, 3099-
11. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 170
3105. The present study agreed with the
results of significant correlations between
yield and number of rows per cob, number of
kernel per row and 1000-grain weight,
number of kernel per row and number of rows
per cob observed by earlier researchers (Viola
et al. 2003, 22-25; Ross et al. 2006, 301-313;
Khazaei et al. 2010, 14-19; Rafiq et al. 2010,
35-38; Orlyan et al. 1999, 9-12; Zirehzadeh
et al. 2011, 853-857) also suggested that most
important traits influencing grain yield are
number of kernel per row. Cob length that
showed positive and significant correlation
with kernel number per row in this study
indicates that increase in cob length will
increase the kernel number per row.
Ultimately as a result of increased kernel
number per row, kernel number per cob will
also increase, thereby increasing the grain
yield. A positive correlation between cob
length and cob weight recorded in this study
is in accordance with Amin et al. 2003; 181-
190 and Abou-Deif 2007, 86-90. Results of
this study therefore showed that, kernel
number per cob, kernel number per row,
kernel row per cob, kernel depth, cob weight,
cob diameter, cob length and 1000-kernel
weight could be used as important traits for
prediction of grain yield. This finding was
also in agreement with the results of earlier
researchers (Choucan et al. 2007, 543-562;
Jafari et al. 2009, 10-17; Bello et al. 2010,
2633-2639; Golbashy et al. 2010, 2714-2719;
Beiragi et al. 2011, 32-37). Actually, yield
components have effects on each other in
positive ways, which may be due to the same
genes controlling these traits.
Table 7: Genotypic correlation coefficients between grain yield, other yield characteristics and
crude protein of 22 quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes and two local checks
evaluated in 2009-2011 cropping seasons in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria
Parameters Grain
yield
(t/ha)
Kernel
number
per
cob
(no)
Kernel
Number
per
row (no)
Kernel
rows
per cob
(no)
Kernel
depth
(cm)
Cob
length
(cm
Cob
diameter
(cm)
Cob
weight
(g)
1000
kernel
weight
(g)
Crude
protein
%
Grain Yield
(t/ha)
-
Kernel
number
per cob (no)
0.671** -
Kernel
number per
row (no)
0.124 0.798** -
Kernel rows
per cob (no)
0.556** 0.673** -0.157 -
Kernel
depth
(cm)
0.065 -
0.541**
-0.413 -0.174 -
Cob length
(cm)
0.235 0.765** 0.641** 0.007 -0.089 -
Cob
diameter
(cm)
0.543** 0.114 -0.312 0.651** 0.276 0.121 -
Cob weight
(g)
0.452** 0.032 -0.231 0.63* 0.431** 0.234 0.879** -
1000 ernel
weight (g)
0.067 -0.53** -
0.653**
0.177 0.751** -
0.125
0.567** 0.571** -
Crude
protein
%
-0.031 -0.0086 -0.064 0.091 -0.0097 -
0.098
-0.0076 0.056 -0.076 -
*, ** Significant at < 0.05 and < 0.01 level of probability, respectively
12. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
171 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013
Table 8: Path coefficient analysis showing the direct and indirect effects of grain yield
characteristics and crude protein of 22 quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes and two
local checks evaluated in 2009-2011 cropping seasons in Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria
Trait Kernel
number
per cob
(no)
Kernel
number
per
row (no)
Kernel
Rows
per
cob (no)
Kernel
depth
(cm)
Cob
length
(cm)
Cob
diameter
(cm)
Cob
weight
(g)
1000
kernel
weight (g)
Crude
protein
%
Kernel number
per cob (no)
-5.142 -4.366 -1.957 -2.312 -4.952 -4.584 -3.541 -2.871 0.076
Kernel
number per
row (no)
-2.758 -4.641 0.095 -1.461 -3.675 -1.572 -2.712 -1.978 0.175
Kernel rows
per cob (no)
0.579 -0.597 3.154 -0.357 -0.654 0.414 -0.571 -0.487 0.265
Kernel depth
(cm)
-0.672 -0.076 -0.045 -0.56 -5.842 -0.561 -0.095 -0.047 -0.431
Cob length
(cm)
11.076 12.432 -3.175 -0.169 13.067 -0.671 -0.573 10.112 -2.672
Cob diameter
(cm)
-0.842 -0.712 -0.153 -1.831 0.879 -1.087 -1.946 -0.895 0.198
Cob weight
(g)
6.573 8.679 -2.679 -0.352 10.071 -0.345 -0.572 9.451 -0.045
1000 kernel
weight (g)
-2.637 -1.963 0.632 -1.739 -3.452 -3.453 -4.621 -4.105 0.117
Crude protein
%
-0.009 -0.065 0.085 -0.038 -0.075 -0.214 -0.456 -0.045 0.823
Genotypic
correlation
coefficient
0.046 0.745 0.387 0.078 0.163 0.543 0.034 0.456 0.084
Path analysis of grain characteristics
Since, the significance of simple correlation
among yield parameters cannot give enough
reasons for cause/effect phenomena, path
coefficient analysis for determination of direct
and indirect effects is essential (Bello et al.
2010, 2633-2639). This is because the
characteristics that are interrelated do not
exist by themselves, but are linked to other
yield attributes. The path coefficient analysis
not only specifies the effective measure of
direct and indirect causes of association, but
also depicts the relative importance of each
factor involved in contributing to the final
product of yield. In the present study, cob
length has a maximum positive direct effect
on grain yield (13.067) followed by kernel
rows per cob (3.154) and crude protein
(0.823) (Table 8). Positive and highly
significant direct effect of cob length for grain
yield was reported by other workers (Nemati
et al. 2009, 194-198; Selvaraj et al. 2011, 209-
223; Selvaraj et al 2011, 209-223) also
noticed a favourable influence of kernel rows
per cob on grain yield. Direct effect of crude
protein on grain yield was reported by
Baheeruddin et al. 1999, 85-89. In this study,
kernel number per cob, kernel number per
row, kernel depth, cob diameter, cob weight
and 1000 kernel weight recorded negative
direct effects on grain yield even though
genotypic correlation coefficients on grain
yield were positive, as previously reported by
Manivannan (1998, 293-294), and Selvaraj et
al (2011, 209-223) (Table 6). The indirect
effect of kernel number per row through
kernel rows per cob and crude protein content
were positive, and through kernel number per
cob, kernel number per row, kernel depth, cob
length, cob diameter, cob weight and 1000
kernel weight were negative (Table 7).
Negative indirect effect of kernel number per
cob on grain yield was noticed on all the
characteristics studied except via crude
protein. Positive indirect effect of cob length
on grain yield was noticed for kernel number
per cob, kernel number per row and 1000
13. Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize in Nigeria; O. B. Bello et al
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) Vol. 90 No. 4 October 2013 172
kernel weight but it was negative through
kernel rows per cob, kernel depth, cob
diameter, cob weight and crude protein. A
highly significant and positive direct effect of
cob length on grain yield was indicated by
previous researchers Nemati et al. (2009, 194-
198) and Selvaraj et al. (2011, 209-223). Cob
length due to involvement of direct and
indirect effects through total kernel number
has high correlation with kernel yield in this
study. Ross et al. (2006, 301-313) earlier
suggested that cob length is a component
effecting kernel yield, therefore, genetically
controlled recognition of ear length and
additional traits correlate to kernel yield can
be of help to hereditary and diversity
recognition of kernel yield. The authors
further stressed that kernel numbers per ear
have the best direct effect on kernel yield,
therefore maize breeders must give
importance to kernel and row number as
selection indicators in yield breeding. The
authors also suggested that kernel numbers
per cob is the best trait affecting kernel yield.
In the present study, positive indirect effects
of cob weight on grain yield were recorded
through kernel number per cob, kernel
number per row, cob length and 1000 kernel
weight; it was negative through the remaining
parameters. However the indirect influence of
crude protein on grain yield via kernel rows
per cob was only positive, though other
parameters were negative.
CONCLUSION
From the present study, QPM genotypes
evaluated were generally of considerable
lysine and tryptophan contents. The QPM
hybrids seem superior for the essential amino
acid contents followed by inbreds and OPVs,
with the local checks being most inferior. This
phenomenon is of the same trend for grain
yield. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield
(Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-
OB and TZPB-OB) had percentage lysine and
tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with
the local checks. Similarly, these hybrids out-
yielded other genotypes with yield advantage
of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbreds,
OPVs and checks respectively. Most of the
QPM hybrids and inbred lines evaluated have
superior performance for grain yield
compared with open pollinated and local
varieties. The QPM hybrids that combined
high yield performance and essential amino
acids (especially hybrids Dada-ba, ART98-
SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB)
could be assessed in different agro-ecologies
to identify those that could be released to
farmers in each environment. The inbreds
(especially CML 178 and CML 181) that were
superior for grain yield, lysine and tryptophan
contents could also be introgressed for further
breeding programs. However, correlation
studies showed that grain yield had a positive
association with all the yield attributes except
crude protein content which was negatively
correlated. Kernel number per cob had
maximum correlation with grain yield
followed by kernel rows per cob, cob
diameter and cob weight. Direct selection of
these characteristics might be rewarding for
yield improvement since they revealed the
true relationships with grain yield. The direct
effect for crude protein was positive but the
correlation was negative; in such a situation
direct selection for this parameter should be
practiced to reduce the undesirable indirect
effects.
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