Moor Journal of Agricultural Research

Spatiotemporal analysis of land use dynamics and land surface temperature to detect environmental degradation in Ijebu-ode, Ogun State, Nigeria

2026-01-15T14:11:56+00:00

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the change in Land Use
dynamics emerges as critical and persistent significant threat, profoundly
impacting the stability of eco-biodiversity and food security challenges,
especially in developing nations. This study examines the effect of land use/land
cover changes (LULCCs) in Ijebu ode, Ogun State, Nigeria using Landsat
Thematic Mapper (TM) and Landsat Operational Land Images (OLI) captured
from United State Geological Survey repository. Herein, LULCCs maps for 2005,
2010, 2015, and 2020 including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and
Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were examined to retrieve Land
surface temperature of the area through Single-channel algorithm (SCA) method
in order to detect the extent of degradation, contributing to the discourse on
environmental sustainability. The results revealed the quantitative and qualitative
environmental changes in the area, highlighting unprecedented built-up with an
increase of 150.25 % while the non-built-up areas decreased by -56.77 % during
the period of study. Undeniably, satellite remote-sensed data offers valuable tools
to provide ecological information for urban sustainability. This study underscores
the urgent attention from society, government, and stakeholders to manage
population growth and balance human needs for a sustainable environment,
thereby contributing to the broader goal of environmental sustainability.

Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean verde L.) Condiment Extract (BGNCE) in Castor oil-induced Diarrhoeal Rats

2026-01-15T13:19:14+00:00

Past works have established that bambara groundnut seeds are used in the treatment
and prevention of diarrhoea. The mechanism by which bambara-groundnut
condiment extract (BGNCE) prevents diarrhoea was studied by assessing the anti
inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant properties of BGNCE (in- vivo). Two trials were
carried out and each trial had 5 groups of rats (n=6). Diarrhoea was induced in rats
using castor-oil. Rats with diarrhoea received the following treatment for seven days:
the initial trial involved group 1 rats which received 2 mg loperamide (Lpr) per
KGBW; while the second trial comprised group 1 rats which received 100 mg vitamin
C per KGBW. In both trials, group 2 rats received 100 mg BGNCE per KGBW, group
3 rats received 250 mg BGNCE per KGBW, group 4 rats received 500 mg BGNCE
per KGBW and rats in group 5 received distilled water. Group 1 was the control-group
for each trial. After the trials, rats were bled into plain bottles, and serum was obtained
from whole blood. From the first trial, inflammatory-indicators like TNF-alpha, NFK
beta and LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) were assessed from serum. The activity of
four anti-oxidants: superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced-glutathione
(GSH), and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) were assessed in the liver and serum for the
second trial. The data was analysed using SPSS (version 20. BGNCE treatment
lowered the levels of TNF-alpha, NFK-beta, and LDH in the serum of diarrhoeal-rats
by 25.82–45.37%, 8.54–60.48%, and 8.63–21.06%, respectively. Also, treatment of
diarrhoeal-rats with BGNCE up-regulated the activities of the monitored antioxidants
in a dose dependent-manner. This work established that BGNCE plays its anti
diarrhoeal role through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Role of Food Scientists in Agricultural Research, Innovation, Capacity Building for Food Security, Nutrition, Safety, Income and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

2026-01-16T03:36:36+00:00

Food Science and Technology plays key roles in reducing postharvest losses, enhancing
value through agricultural value addition and ensuring quality and safety in the value
chain of food crops. The Sustainable Development Agenda are a set of 17 interlinked
objectives that the world leaders have committed to since 2015 in closing various gaps
by the year 2030. They are designed as shared 5Ps blueprint for Peace and Prosperity for
People and the Planet, now and Partnership in the future. They are designed as shared
blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. The
objective of this paper is to highlight the roles food scientists play in Agricultural
Research and Development through capacity building. This covers the efforts in ensuring
food security which is becoming a pressing problem in the country, through product
optimization. It also discusses Food Science and innovations, collaborative work in the
agricultural value chain, donor agencies role in enhancing agricultural research, food
scientists involvement in policy formulation, their activities in capacity building
programmes through training, teaching, mentoring younger scientists and in role
modelling events in encouraging the future generation and in advocacy and advisory
roles for sustainability in the field. Their expertise is crucial in addressing the country's
complex challenges related to food security, nutrition, addressing unemployment through
entrepreneurship which contributes to national economic growth.

EFFECT OF STORAGE MEDIA AND PRESERVATIVES ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL, MICROBIOLOGICAL AND SENSORY QUALITIES OF SCOTCH BONNET

2026-07-30T12:14:49+00:00

The study evaluated the effect of different storage media on the physicochemical, microbial and sensory attributes of Scotch bonnet (Capsicum chinense) for six months. The Scotch bonnet samples were subjected to different treatments. Samples treatments: A (2.5% sea salt+ 2% white sugar), B (5% sea salt + 2% white sugar), C (10% sea salt + 2% white sugar), D (0.5% clove + 5% garlic + 5% ginger), and E (Control i.e distilled water). These analyses were carried out: pH, acidity, carotenoids content, sensory evaluation and microbiological assessment. The lycopene and beta-carotene contents of the samples ranged from 0.144-0.429 and 1.005-3.241mg/100ml respectively, while the total titratable acid (TTA) contents ranged between 0.027-0.198%. The pH (5.08-6.46) level was observed to fall within the normal range in most treated groups all through the storage period. Results of the organoleptic analysis showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the firmness of the scotch bonnet among the tested samples, with group D having the highest score of 3.9. However, there was no significant difference in aroma, appearance, colour and overall acceptance for all samples. Treatment D outperformed other preservative methods in reducing spoilage and toxigenic microflora, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh Scotch bonnet peppers. The spices demonstrated potentials in minimizing pathogenic spoilage, which contributes to improved food safety and prolonged shelf-life. These findings suggest that spice-based treatments, particularly the combination of clove, garlic, and ginger, offer a viable natural preservation strategy for extending pepper shelf-life.

Effects of Climate Change Anomalies on Plantain Production in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

2026-01-16T03:52:49+00:00

Plantains have a propensity to retain water, but their production is significantly
impacted by climate change. This study examined the effects of climate change
anomalies on plantain production in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo
State, Nigeria. Using a questionnaire survey, a two-stage sampling procedure was
used to collect data from 120 plantain farmers. The data were then analysed and
presented using frequency, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), while
multiple linear regression was employed to predict the determinants of farmers’
observation of climatic indicators and perception of climate change. The results of
the study show that during the previous five years (2019-2023), the respondents
experienced a temperature rise (x̄=1.79), prolonged drought (x̄=1.46) and
decreasing rainfall (x̄=1.24). As a result, most respondents (84.1%) indicated that
the climate was changing. Furthermore, decreased yield (x̄=2.68), drooping/wilting
(x̄=2.45) and lodging and bending (x̄=2.40) were the primary effects of climate
change on plantain production. Furthermore, planting of heat-resistant and early
maturing varieties and, mixed cropping were the common adaptation measures
consistently used by the respondents. Statistically, a significant relationship was
discovered between average annual income (r = -0.325, p = 0.001) and farm size (r
= 0.213, p = 0.021) and the possibility of perceiving the consequences of climate
change. The strongest predictors of farmers' perception and observation of climate
change indicators were education (t=-1.968, p<0.05) and membership of farmers'
associations (t=-2.647, p<0.05), respectively. The investigation concluded that
climate change has a major effect on plantain production in the study area. The
study suggested that the use of irrigation to guarantee sustainable plantain
production.

Inheritance of Pod Length in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

2026-02-05T14:27:39+00:00

Confirming the contestable genes that control a trait of interest is indispensable
for developing crop varieties. This underscores the importance of studying the
mode of inheritance of pod length in cowpea. The objectives of this study were to
estimate the gene numbers controlling pod length, its broad-sense heritability and
its nature of dominance in cowpea. Three cowpea lines (Ife Brown, TVNu699 and
TVu2723) were used to generate two crosses (Ife Brown x TVNu699 and
TVu2723 x TVNu699) in the screenhouse. Four generations (P1, P2, F1 and F2)
were evaluated in a randomized complete block design in 3, 3 and 4 replications
for parents (P1 and P2), F1 and F2 respectively. Data on pod length and seed weight
were subjected to statistical analyses. Additive variance (a) was higher than the
dominance variance (d) in both crosses. Crosses: Ife Brown x TVNu699 with a =
2.82 and d = 0.43 and TVu2723 x TVNu699 with a = 3.49 and d = 1.69. The
numbers of effective factors were estimated to be three and four in the two
crosses; while the degrees of dominance were 15.2% and 42.9%, respectively.
The broad-sense heritability estimates for pod length were 82.6% in the cross
TVu2723 x TVNu699 and 71.2% in the cross Ife Brown x TVNu699. It was
inferred that pod length in cowpea is controlled by multiple gene pairs, with
additive gene action playing a significant role over dominance, and high values
of the heritability estimates confirmed that the trait is transferable, indicating
strong potential for selection.

Influence of organic and inorganic fertilizer on agronomic traits and salt tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

2026-02-05T14:43:44+00:00

Salt stress is one of major abiotic threats to crop productivity globally. The effect
of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), NPK and Compost on salt tolerance of
tomato at 100 mM was investigated. The study aimed at improving tomato growth
and yield under continuous irrigation system, this was done by applying NPK (16
g), compost (150 g) and AMF (20 g). the growth data collected on agronomic trait
were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis
(PCA) and correlation. The results obtained revealed that compost only had the
highest yield of 101.80 g in non-saline condition, followed by the combination of
compost and NPK with yield of 91.99 g under saline condition, while saline
solution only had the lowest yield (2.25 g). The relative discriminating power of
the PCA as revealed by Eigen value was 4.19, 1.40 and 1.00 for PC1, PC2 and
PC3, respectively with corresponding contribution of 52.38%, 18.43% and
11.98%, respectively. The first three PCs accounted for 83.79% of the total
variation. PC1 was associated with number of leaves, plant height, stem girth and
number of fruits. PC2 was linked with fruit and shoot fresh weight with negative
loading and root fresh weight with positive loading, while PC3 was responsible
for the number of fruits with negative loading and number of flowers with positive
loading. Fruit fresh weight showed a strong positive correlation with all
agronomic traits assessed, except for the root fresh weight. Therefore, identified
traits can be useful in tomato improvement programs for indirect selection of yield
improvement. Also, combination of compost/AMF with NPK fertilizer can
enhance performance of tomato plants and serve as buffer to withstand salt stress
for more productivity.

Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Cocoa Productivity in Cocoa-producing Areas of Nigeria

2026-07-30T09:37:54+00:00

This study was conducted in Nigeria to empirically evaluate the determinants of the Cocoa productivity in three zones that are cocoa–producing areas of Nigeria (Southwest, South/South-East and North-Central). Geo-referenced primary data were collected from cocoa farmers in ten (10) cocoa-producing states from the selected zones using Open Data Kit (ODK Collect) and focus group discussion. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results from the pooled data of states visited revealed the dominance of males (94%) among cocoa farmers, with a mean age at 55.7 ± 13.30 years, year of cocoa farming experience of 38.5 ± 13.51 years, household size of 8 ± 3.00 persons and with only two persons assisting on the cocoa farm as family labour, on average. The mean farm size was 3.68 ± 2.66 ha, and the mean years of the cocoa plantation were 28.48 ±16.08. Cocoa productivity is generally low, with Southwest zones had 503 kg/ha, the South/South-East recorded 375 kg/ha, while North Central had, 148 kg/ha. The regression analysis showed model with good fit and combined influence on all significant variables of cocoa productivity. Household size and farm size (p<0.001), land ownership, fertilizer access (p<0.05), and use of fungicides are significant at a 10% level of probability. This implies that increasing the area cultivable to cocoa with land ownership without litigation or any form of sanctions, fertilizer access and use of fungicides will increase cocoa productivity in all regions. This study recommends the provision and increased access of cocoa-specific fertilizer to boost productivity in areas where land is unavailable for production to boost cocoa yield in producing states

Application method and effectiveness of Bee-propolis in reducing grain damage and weight loss in cowpea

2026-07-30T14:48:59+00:00

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a crop adapted to Savannah and drier regions of the tropics like Nigeria where other legumes don’t thrive well. Cowpea is highly vulnerable to infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus across all developmental stages. This pest-induced damage results in substantial quantitative and qualitative losses, characterized by seed perforation, decreased seed weight, reduced germination potential, and diminished market value. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bee propolis in inhibiting cowpea damage and weight loss during storage. Propolis was processed into concentrated solutions for seed coating using ethanol as a solvent. A 100 g sample of cowpea was coated with bee propolis solutions (10%, 20%, 30% w/v) by mixing them in a separating funnel, shaking for thorough coating, and then air-dried for 24 hours. The coated grains were thereafter infested with 20 unsexed adult C. maculatus, covered with muslin cloth, and replicated four times. Controls were uncoated grains and ethanol-treated grains. The results show that propolis is effective in reducing grain damage and weight loss of cowpea. The highest concentration of propolis at 30% reduced both grain damage and weight loss compared to both positive and negative controls. This approach offers a solid framework for evaluating the protective efficacy of bee propolis against Callosobruchus maculatus on stored cowpea, suggesting its potential integration as a biopesticide.

Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Seed Energizers

2026-07-30T16:04:34+00:00

Pre-treatment of seeds before sowing has been reported to improve seedling vigour and also increase crop yields of seeds placed under pyramids. Field trials were conducted during the early cropping and late cropping seasons of 2023 at Abeokuta, Nigeria to evaluate the influence of seed energizing technique on growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays L.). The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a split- plot arrangement, involving a 3 x 3 factorial combination replicated three times. Seed lots of maize were stored in three seed energizing devices built as tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron for one, two and three weeks. The seeds were planted and evaluated over two seasons. Observations were made on growth and yield parameters. Results showed that seed energizing devices significantly (p≤ 0.05) affect the performance of maize. Maize performed best for seeds kept in dodecahedron for two weeks compared with the control. Seed energizing devices and duration of seed placement significantly affected (p≤ 0.05) weight of cobs, weight of seeds in the cobs, ear length, number of rows/ears, number of grains / row and grain weight/plant. Dodecahedron device gave the best dry matter yield at 60 Days after Planting followed by tetrahedron and least for hexahedron.

Revamping Challenges of Rural Dwellers in USAID Markets II Soybean Production Project in Benue State, Nigeria

2026-01-15T13:48:10+00:00

This study evaluated USAID MARKETS II Soybean Production Project in Benue
State, Nigeria. The study was carried out to investigate factors influencing farm
yields among project participants and examine the relationship between adoption of
new soybean production technologies and farmers' yields. A sample size of 150
soybean farmers was proportionally selected from a total population of 509 project
participants. This represents 30% of the farmers, randomly drawn from each of the
two soybean farmers’ associations across the eight Local Government Areas
(LGAs) designated for the study Data were collected using semi-structured
interview schedule while mean, multiple regression, and correlation analysis were
used for data analysis. Results showed that farming experience, education level,
extension contact, and quantity of fertilizer applied significantly influenced farmers'
yields at 5% level. A positive weak relationship (r = 0.091, p > 0.05) was found
between technology adoption and yield. The study recommended timely provision
of quality farming infrastructure to project participants to enhance adoption of new
soybean technologies and boost farm yields in order to enhance the wellbeing of the
rural farmers.

On-farm Evaluation and Economic Implication of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) Leaves Powder in the Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Yam (Dioscorea spp.)

2026-07-30T14:25:35+00:00

Plant-parasitic nematodes threaten yam production, causing yield losses and economic challenges. Eco-friendly management strategies are essential to reduce their impact while limiting synthetic nematicide use. This study was conducted in the late season of 2021 across two adopted villages of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training: Ogbomoso (Oniyo) and Ibadan (Apete Onidoko) to evaluate the potentials of neem and siam weed leaves powder in the management of plant-parasitic nematodes in yam (Dioscorea spp.) field. Yam varieties were sourced from the adopted villages. Naturally infested farmers’ fields were selected for the experiment. Neem and siam weed slurry at 5 tonnes/ha were applied as fertilizers at the base of plants. At post planting soil samples were taken to determine nematode population. Data on vine length, tuber yield (kg/ha), nematode parameters were recorded. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR) version 2013. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% probability level. Neem and siam weed at 5 t/ha effectively managed plant-parasitic nematodes, significantly reducing Scutellonema bradys, Pratylenchus sp., and Meloidogyne sp., while enhancing yam tuber. Also, the market analysis revealed that yam treated with neem extract had more economic returns due to larger tuber sizes, weight, and number of tubers recorded at harvest. These findings highlight neem and Siam weed as sustainable and eco-friendly management method, contributing to improved yam productivity and offering a viable alternative management method to synthetic nematicides in yam production.

Exploring Productivity Dynamics and Drivers among Maize Farmers in Nigeria

2026-07-30T15:07:39+00:00

This study investigated productivity dynamics among maize farmers in Nigeria using panel data from the General Household Survey (GHS-P) Waves 1 and 4. Farmers were classified into low, medium, and high productivity categories using a Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index. Between Wave 1 and Wave 4, the share of farmers in the high productivity group increased from 38.20% to 42.11% indicating moderate progress, while those in the low productivity group declined from 39.56% to 32.77%. Tobit regression results revealed that access to credit, mobile phones, and remittances significantly enhanced productivity, while non-farm enterprise participation and increased farming experience negatively affected it. The findings suggested that engagement in non-farm activities diluted farm efficiency, and older farmers were less inclined to adopt new technologies. Markov transition analysis showed both upward and downward mobility, with many farmers remaining in low-productivity states due to systemic constraints. Based on these insights, the study recommended that policymakers should have strengthened agricultural extension systems to promote the adoption of modern technologies, encouraged the formation of farmer cooperatives to reduce input costs, addressed the trade-offs between non-farm and farm activities through integrated livelihood strategies, and expanded rural financial and digital infrastructure to improve access to resources and information for sustainable productivity growth.

Socio-Economic Profiling of Spices Actors in Oyo State, Nigeria

2026-07-30T15:45:44+00:00

The study assessed the socio-economic profile of rural households engaged in spices enterprises in Oyo state, Nigeria. Different spices actors were discovered in the state - spices producers (PDRs) gatherers (GRRs) and producer-gatherers (PGRs). The study consisted of 108 actors who were purposively selected and sampled. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaires and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed the mean age of spices PDRs, GRRs and PGRs as 47.34±12.3, 49.03±9.27 and 48.75±8.38 respectively. Most (90.0%) of PDRs, 51.4% of PGRs were male while 90.0% of GRRs were female. Most (71.7%) of PDRs, 88.6% of PGRs had no formal education while most (50.0%) of GRRs had vocational education. The mean household size and annual income were 10.86±6.58, 7.03±1.60 and 6.3±2.05 and ₦146,627.48±122,926.3, ₦44,115.3±26,719.7 and ₦56,812.5±39,287.5 by PDRs, GRRs and PGRs respectively. The secondary occupation of most (84.9%) of PDRs and 82.9% of PGRs was other crops farming while that of 40.0% of GRRs was trading. Hot pepper and turmeric were cultivated by 97.6% and 62.8% of PDRs, African black pepper and Ethiopian pepper were gathered by 100.0% and 98.3% of GRRs while hot pepper was cultivated by 100% and African Black pepper was gathered by 85.8% of PGRs. Most (86.0%) and 83.0% of PDRs belonged to farmers group and cooperative societies, 100.0% and 95.0% of GRRs belonged to cooperative societies and religious groups while 97.1% and 91.7% of PGRs belonged to cooperative societies and work exchange groups. The study therefore recommends that participation in social groups could promote the activities of spices actors in the state and across the country and consequently enhance the benefits of spices among households.

In vitro fermentation of shed leaves of selected trees as forage for ruminants

2026-01-16T04:16:30+00:00

Shed leaves from deciduous plants are wastes which sometimes constitute
environmental pollution if not properly disposed of. The chemical composition, in
vitro gas production parameters and characteristics of shed leaves from browse
plants; Tamarindus indica (Ti), Terminalia catappa (Tc), Bambusa vulgaris (Bv),
Anacardium occidentale (Ao) and Cola nitida (Cn) were investigated. Shed leaves
of each plant were picked, cleaned and pulverized. Chemical composition and in
vitro gas production analyses were carried out. Results revealed that chemical
composition of shed leaves differed significantly (p<0.05). Dry matter ranged from
91.82 to 93.10%. Crude protein content was highest in Bv (10.90%) and lowest in
Tc (4.89%), ash content was highest in Tc (16.13%) and lowest in Bv (15.83%).
Neutral detergent fibre was highest in Tc (61.53%) and lowest in Ti (52.92%).
Calcium content ranged from 0.229 to 0.297 g/100g DM across the treatments. In
vitro gas production, metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility, short-chain
fatty acids and methane gas of shed leaves 24 hours post-incubation ranged from
6.67 to 10.67 mL/200mg DM, 3.46 to 4.34 MJ/kg DM, 24.06 to 30.30%, 0.02 to
0.19 mmol and 2.5 to 4.5 mL/200mg DM, respectively. Bv leaves recorded the
highest values (10.00 and 10.67 mL/200mg DM) for the insoluble degradable
fraction (b) and potential degradability (a+b) respectively. The lowest (6.33 and
6.67 mL/200mg DM) values for ‘b’ and ‘a+b’ fractions were obtained in Tc leaves
respectively, while the rate of degradation ‘c’ was not significantly different across
all leaves. Conclusively, shed leaves can be used as dry season forage for ruminants.

Animal Disease Reporting System in Ogun State, Nigeria: A Review of Current Practices and Challenges

2026-07-29T10:38:11+00:00

An effective animal disease reporting system is crucial for understanding
disease dynamics, prioritizing intervention strategies, and preventing the
transmission of infectious diseases from animals to man. The efficient
functioning of the veterinary health system depends on a well-organized and
coordinated reporting structure that engages stakeholders at various levels,
including professionals, and state, national, and international organizations.
Such a system significantly influences disease prevention and control efforts
in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. The rising incidence of zoonotic
diseases globally, coupled with Ogun State's growing population, underscores
the need for this study. This research examines the current animal diseases
reporting system in Ogun State, Nigeria, identifies the stakeholders involved,
evaluates the challenges, and proposes practical solutions. The study aims to
guide stakeholders in addressing existing gaps and implementing appropriate
measures to mitigate risks associated with population growth, encroachment
on wildlife habitats, and the increasing demand for animal products.
Furthermore, it emphasizes equipping the system to become better equipped
to prevent and control emerging and existing diseases in Ogun State
and Nigeria.

Pig Immunology Cognition as a Prerequisite to Maintaining Pig Health: A Review

2026-07-30T15:13:04+00:00

The review highlights pig immunology as essential for maintaining good health and welfare in pigs. The innate immune system includes physical barriers and immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages, while adaptive immunity involves B and T cells, along with dendritic cells. Pigs’ cells develop memory immune responses, enabling a quicker and more effective defense when re-exposed to specific pathogens, initiating an antibody and antigen response. Pigs’ immune system is a complex mechanism and similar to that of humans, with innate and adaptive responses working synergistically to protect against pathogens. Immune response genes in pigs play important roles in disease resistance. The key genes are: Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), for example, Swine Leukocyte Antigen (SLA) in pigs. The Cytokine genes, such as interleukins and interferons, and pattern recognition receptors (Toll-like receptors). These genes are important for disease resistance, vaccine development, and breeding programs, where selection for favourable immune responses can enhance the overall health of pigs. Macrophages and dendritic cells play a major role
in linking the innate and adaptive immune responses. They are specialized antigen-presenting cells equipped with a wide range of pathogen-recognition receptors that identify conserved microbial molecular markers, known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Knowledge in pig immunology ultimately enhances overall health and productivity. Identifying genes that control immunity in pigs can assist in selecting animals with quicker responses to disease challenges and aid in vaccine development against economically important diseases that affect productivity, increase production costs and constrain livestock management, including antigenic restrictions on species and breed selection.

The importance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in functional foods and nutraceutical

2026-07-30T15:29:06+00:00

The relationship between diet and health has garnered significant attention, with increasing interest in foods that support disease prevention and overall well-being. This study highlights the functional role of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in human nutrition and health, specifically examining its potential as a functional food and nutraceutical. As a vital component of food security, fish offers essential nutrients beyond basic nutrition, including omega-3 fatty acids and bioavailable micronutrients. This review combines secondary data and insights from fish utilization experiences to outline catfish’s functionality and health-promoting properties. It explores previous studies on the nutritional profile, fatty acid composition, and health advantages of catfish as well as studies on fish's role in food security and functional foods. Practical observations and empirical research further informed the bioavailability and efficacy of key nutrients in catfish. This combined approach allowed a thorough assessment of the nutraceutical potential of both cage-cultured and wild catfish, highlighting its value in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. Analysis of fatty acid profiles in both cage-cultured and wild-caught catfish reveals that catfish provides a balanced array of fatty acids, with cage-cultured samples containing 33.19% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 51.47% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 15.35% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including essential omega-3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), which are linked to cardiovascular health benefits. This profile underscores catfish’s potential as a functional food to improve dietary quality and support disease prevention. The study contributes valuable insights for both consumers and policymakers on the importance of catfish in achieving healthy diets.

Evaluation of Inert and Permethrin Powders against Cylas puncticollis Boheman (Coleoptera: Brentidae) on Stored Sweet Potato

2026-01-15T14:22:12+00:00

The sweet potato weevil Cylas puncticollis is one of the insect pests of stored sweet
potato in Africa. Due to its perishable nature, infested tubers cannot be stored for
long period. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of
two inert powders namely Insecto® Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and Oil Palm
Inflorescence Ash (OPIA), and a permethrin powder against C. puncticollis on
white-fleshed sweet potato tubers. Each treatment was applied at 0, 0.3, 0.9 and
1.5 g per 30 g sweet potato, and then infested with ten unsexed adults of C.
puncticollis in glass jars. The set up was arranged in a completely randomised
design with each treatment replicated three times and maintained at 70±5%
relative humidity and 28±2°C. Data was collected on adult mortality daily (up to
7 days) while progeny emergence and weevil damage (perforated tubers) were
recorded after 28 days. Adult mortality was dose-dependent of insecticide and
exposure time, and there were significant differences among all the tested
insecticides. Permethrin induced 100% mortality and total progeny suppression
against C. puncticollis. At the highest dose, DE and OPIA were less effective
causing 67.2% and 54.7% mortality, and below 78% progeny suppression,
respectively. All powders significantly caused lower weevil damage on tuber
compared to control which recorded 37.3%. Permethrin proved the most effective
against C. puncticollis, followed by DE and OPIA. However, more research is
required to explore how these inert powders can provide additive effect with other
bio-pesticides against sweet potato weevils.