STUDY OF WEED FLORA OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA, WEST TROPICAL AFRICA

Dharmendra Singh* and Amina Abubakar

Department of Biological Sciences

Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria

email: singhdharmendra12@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The paper enumerates the outcome of weed floristic studies made into varied localities of the State between October 2008 and December 2010. The collections have been found to be spread over 23 weed families, 40 genera and 43 species of angiospermic weed. They are Aizoaceae 1 species, Amaranthaceae 3 species, Asteraceae ( Compositae) 4 species, Boraginaceae 3 species, Caesalpiniaceae 1 species, Capparaceae 2 species,  Chenopodiaceae 1 species,  Commelinaceae 2 species, Convolvulaceae 2 species, Cyperaceae 3 species, Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) 2 species,  Malvaceae 1 species,  Nyctaginaceae 1 species,  Oxalidaceae 1 species, Papveraceae 1 species,  Poaceae (Graminae)  4 species,   Portulaceae 1 species, Rubiaceae 1 species, Scrophulariaceae 3 species, Solanaceae 3 species, Sterculiaceae 1 species, Tiliaceae 1 species, and Zygophyllaceae 1 species. keywords:   Weed,   Flora, Kebbi State, Nigeria

INVESTIGATING POLLEN PELLETS AND HONEY SAMPLE FROM AN APIARY IN IBADAN, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

P. A. Adeonipekun

Palynology/Palaeobotany Unit, Department of Botany

University of Lagos, Nigeria,

p1adeonipekun@yahoo.com and aadeonipekun@unilag.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

To further characterise Nigerian honey samples and bee pollen pellets, three modern beehives in an apiary at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture {IITA} Ibadan were studied. Pollen pellets and a sample of the produced honey were palynologically studied. Pollen from 43 species of plants belonging to 24 families was recovered from the pellets and honey sample studied. Within the first two months of collection, 24 species were recorded for the pellets, out of which only nine were recovered from the honey sample analysed. Size seems significant in determining which pollen grains are found in honey samples even though they are abundantly collected by bees. The average size of pollen grains found in the honey sample in this study is 47.2 μm while that in pollen pellets is 96.14 μm. This size differential may mean that the larger pollen might have been destroyed through the sieving and other production processes or possibly as a consequence of the bees’ digestive process. The pollen of Elaeis guineensis, Tridax procumbens, Nymphaea lotus, Combretum spp. and Chromolaena odorata were the commonest in the pollen pellets. The results obtained here are comparable with those from others who have carried out similar studies.

KEY WORDS: Apiary, Honey Bees, Pollen Pellets, and Honey Pollen.

APPLICATIONS OF GAMMA MODEL IN AGE DURING PREGNANCY AND MALARIA INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

¹Adarabioyo, M. I., ²Ojiezeh, T. I and ³G. N. Amahia

¹Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer/Information Systems, Achievers University, Owo,

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria

³Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to determine the probability distribution of the age at pregnancy and malaria infection in south western Nigeria. The samples studied consisted of eighty-eight (88) and seventy-seven (78) pregnant women who were already infested of malaria parasites at  University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, respectively. Some descriptive measures were used to examine the main properties of the distributions for each location and combine. The frequency polygons were obtained to determine the underlying distribution. The distributions were negatively skewed; a departure from normality. Beta distribution was estimated and one of the parameters was found to be out of bound (LUTH: α = -1404.27,β = 1358.13, OAUTH: α = -1342.85, β = 1299.95, COMBINE: α = -1204.26, β = 1156.63). The parameters of the Exponential distributions were not significant. Gamma model was fitted for each location and combine. The estimates were significant at 95% level of significance.  Parameters’ tests reveal that there is no significant difference between the parameters from the two locations. This implies the samples from the two locations could have come from the same population.

Key Words: Probability, Malaria, Pregnancy, Gamma, Beta, exponential, Model

EFFECT OF MANGIFERA INDICA LEAVES EXTRACT ON GROWTH RESPONSE OF OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS

‘Obaroh, I.O and *G.C Achionye-Nzeh

‘Department of Biological Sciences, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria

*Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

 E-mail: princeobaroh@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Effect of Mangifera indica leaves extracts on growth response of Oreochromis niloticus was evaluated for 42 days. 5 diets at approximately 40% crude protein containing varying levels of the extracts at 0%, 5%, 15% and 25% were formulated. These were fed to fingerlings of O. niloticus (mean weight, 5.25 – 6.05g) that were randomly distributed into 45 litres of waters in plastic basins at 5% of their body weight (2.5% in the morning and 2.5% in the evening). Feed 0% and 5% inclusion levels shows best growth with no significant difference (P>0.05) between them. The lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.96±1.05 was observed in diet with 5% inclusion level of the leaves extract. Decrease in growth was observed as the inclusion level increases, fish mortality was also observed to increase as the inclusion levels increases. Mangifera indica leaves which are widely available and easily assessable throughout the country, could serve as growth promoter especially when incorporated at a very low level into fish feed.

Keywords: Mangifera indica, growth promoter, weight, inclusion, leafs extract.

Species Composition and Distribution of ZOOPLANKTON SPECIES in selected parts of the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Ajani G.E.

Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research

3, Wilmot Point, Bar beach, Victoria Island, Lagos.

ABSTRACT

Species composition, spatial distribution, abundance and diversity of zooplankton in some selected parts of the Lagos lagoon were investigated for seven months (March – September 2010), twelve stations on the lagoon were selected for this study.  A total of twenty zooplankton species with seventeen genera forms were recorded for the study. Three phyla were identified; the phylum Crustacea, followed by Chaetognatha (arrow worms) and Rotifera (rotifers). Copepoda was the most abundant with three suborder forms which are calanoida, cyclopoida and harpaticoda. However, selected stations such as Queen’s drive, Park view, Moba, Ofin, Ibese, Ikorodu port and Majidun showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in occurrence of copepods between sampling stations, while stations such as Ikate, Itedo, Oreta, Ofin and Nichem textile ) showed no significant (p > 0.05) variation in occurrence of copepods between stations. Changes in zooplankton species in terms of occurrence and abundance at certain sampling stations of higher proximity to municipal and industrial effluent is indicative of anthropogenic perturbations.

Key Words: Zooplankton, anthropogenic, lagoon, municipal, industrial, spatial distribution

PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF VEGETABLES SOLD IN SOME MARKETS IN MUBI ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Joel Filgona¹, Zainab B. Mshellia¹, and E. E. Akortha²

¹Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria

²Uniniversity of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet but if not adequate prepared, can be an agent of transmission of intestinal parasites. This study determines the parasitological contamination of some vegetables sold in markets in Mubi. Four hundred samples of vegetables analysed were for presence of intestinal parasite out of which 44.5% contamination rate was recorded. Parasitic contamination rate of Sesamum indicum was 62%, Hibiscus subdariffa 50%, Abelmeschus esculentus 48% and Lactuca sativa 44%. Parasitic prevalence rate of 28.8% were recorded for Entamoeba histolytica, 25% for Fasciola spp, Ancylostoma spp 22%, Ascaris lymbricoides 11.4%, while B coli had the lowest prevalence rate of 0.8%. The presence of parasite in vegetable underscore the fact that these vegetable could be potential source of infection, hence the need to educate consumers on the importance of good hygiene practice in handling and preparation of vegetable for consumption.

Key words: Vegetable, parasite, contamination, waste water, human intestinal parasite.

CANOPY CHARACTERISTICS, STOMATAL ANATOMY AND TRANSPIRATION RATE IN SOME SHADE PLANTS

Abdulrahaman, A. A., Aluko, T. A. and Oladele, F. A.

Department Of Plant Biology

University Of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

E-mail: aaaoacademics@rocketmail.com

ABSTRACT

Twenty shade trees namely Daniellia oliveri, Azadirachta indica, Albizia lebbeck, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Citrus reticulata, Citrus paradisi, Blighia sapida, Plumeria alba, Thevetia neriifolia,  Terminalia catappa, Tectonia grandis, Mangifera indica, Delonix regia, Parkia biglobosa, Anacardium occidentale, Vitellaria paradoxa, Gmelina arborea, Acacia auriculiformis and Bridelia ferruginea were studied to determine their canopy characteristics in relationship to stomatal features possessed and rate at which they transpire. The canopy characteristics vary in all species with T. catappa having widest canopy density (CD) and T. neriifolia with narrowest CD; leaf density (LD) is higher in D. regia and lower in T. grandis. Thirty five stands of each species were studied for canopy characteristics. In each species a total of 700 leaves and 1200 leaf segments were taken and observed anatomically to reveal stomatal features possessed by each of these trees. Some correlations were observed to occur between stomatal features and rate of transpiration; for instance, T. catappa and A. auriculiformis that possessed amphistomatic leaves with heterogeneous stomatal complex types (SCTs) transpired faster more than species such as T. grandis, M. indica, A. occidentale and V. paradoxa with hypostomatic leaves and homogeneous STC. Based on CD, TR and LD, the most preferable shade plants are A. indica, D. oliveri, A. lebbeck, D. regia, A. auriculiformis and T. catappa.

Keywords: canopy characteristic, environment, shade plants, stomata, transpiration

POPULATION PRESSURE AS IT AFFECTS FARMERS’ WELLBEING AND IMPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NGOR OKPALA LGA IMO STATE.

Anyoha N. O. and Chikaire J.

Department of Agricultural Extension,

 Federal University of Technology, , Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria*

E-mail – ndypaschal 2004@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT                

This study dealt with population pressure as it affects farmers’ well being in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 5 communities from the study area, 3 villages were randomly selected and from each voltage four households were selected thus making a total of 60 respondents. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire and data analysis was by use of frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores and regression. Findings of the study revealed that about 55% of the respondents had a family size between six and ten persons. It was found out that the mean score of all the eight listed effects of large family size on farmers’ wellbeing were above the cut-off point of 3 and were all accepted by farmers as affecting their wellbeing. Marital status, age, family size, education and farmers’ income significantly contribute to their level of perception of the effects of large family size on their wellbeing. It was recommended that relevant policies directed at consolidation of population education through the introduction of the school’s curriculum be implemented in order to achieve self reliance in future.

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF Cympobogon citratus AND Cocos nucifera OILS

Jolaoso A.A; Ajayi J.O and Ogunmuyiwa S.I.O

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Nigeria

E-mail:jolaazeezat@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Cympobogon citratus and Cocos nucifera oil were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae ,Salmonella typhi, Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus ATT25667 and Candida albicans(the only fungi strain).The antimicrobial properties against the aforementioned strains were compared to standard antibiotics, third generation fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin and imidazole respectively. The Salmonella typhi strain showed higher susceptibility to Cympobogon citratus oil while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed appreciable susceptibility. In Cocos nucifera oil, the Candida albicans showed a greater susceptibility when compared to the standard imidazole.The Cocos nucifera oil showed greater susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus and Eshcerichia coli strain. Therefore the oil extract of these Cympobogon citratus and Cocos nucifera have been found to have potential application for prevention of bacteria and fungi infection. The present study supports its traditional uses.

Keywords:  antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic

COMPARATIVE BIOINSECTICIDAL EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ZANTHOXYLUM ZANTHOXYLOIDES (LAM) ZEPERNICK & TIMLER ONSOME SELECTED INSECTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE TO MAN

Mohammad Gbate

Department of Science Laboratory Technology

 Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Nigeria

gbatem2007@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Ethanolic extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides was assayed for its insecticidal propertieson Musca domestica, Callosobruchus maculates, Anopheles mosquito and Sitophilus zeamais. 1%, 2% and 4% w/v of aqueous solution of the extract was topically administered on the insects and mortality was monitored at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 105 minutes intervals. The efficacy of the extract as insecticide increases with increasing concentration with 4% solution giving the best result in all cases. 4% w/v of the extract killed all the M. domestica, C. maculates, Anopheles mosquito and S. zeamais by 75^th, 45^th, 60^th and 45^th minutes respectively. This suggest that Z.  zanthoxyloides has a great potential as a bioinsecticide. Keywords: Ethanolic extract, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, bioinsecticide