Savanna regions of Nigeria are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, which retard the growth and yield of crops. Therefore, a study was conducted in the wet season of 2006 at the Dry Land Teaching and Research Farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of phosphorus on the growth and yield of two cowpea varieties sourced from Republic of Niger. Treatment consisted of four (4) rates of phosphorus (0, 20, 40, 60 kg.ha^–1) factorialy combined with (2) varieties of cowpea (kvx303096G and TN5-78) and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Results showed significant response to applied P on pods per plant, grain and stover yield and 100-seed weight with highest response to the application of 60 kg.P.ha^–1. From this study it can be concluded that KVX303096G and TN5-78 could both be sown under Sokoto condition to obtain reasonable yield of about 1 t.ha^–1 of grain and 1.6 t.ha^–1 of stover. Irrespective of the varieties, application of 60 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 could be recommended for higher yield of cowpea (1.4 t.ha^–1) relative to 0 kg.P.ha^–1 that yielded 1.0 t.ha^–1

Currently, the global agricultural system is focused on a limited number of crop species, thereby presenting a threat to food security and supply, especially with predicted global climate change conditions. The importance of ‘underutilized’ crop species in meeting the world’s demand for food has been duly recognized by research communities, governments and policy makers worldwide. The development of underutilized crops, with their vast genetic resources and beneficial traits, may be a useful step towards solving food security challenges by offering a multifaceted agricultural system that includes additional important food resources. Bambara groundnut is among the beneficial underutilized crop species that may have a positive impact on global food security through organized and well-coordinated multidimensional breeding programs. The excessive degrees of allelic difference in Bambara groundnut germplasm could be exploited in breeding activities to develop new varieties. It is important to match recognized breeding objectives with documented diversity in order to significantly improve breeding. This review assesses the genetic diversity of Bambara groundnut, as well as important factors involved in realizing and harnessing the potential of this crop.

Water management is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing issues facing all countries in semi-arid and arid parts of the world. Global water consumption is predicted to increase by 50% in 2030, resulting in an acute water shortage. Presently, the agricultural sector consumes more than 70% of freshwater in most regions of the world, putting more pressure on water scarcity. Hydrogels are superabsorbent polymers that can hold plant nutrients and water when the soil around plant roots starts to dry out. Research evidence has revealed that water stored by hydrogel slowly returns to the soil, thereby increasing the volumetric water content of the soil. Hydrogel increases water use efficiency and irrigation intervals, decreases irrigation costs, and provides plants with the required nutrients and moisture. Numerous properties of hydrogels, including moderate water retention and high swelling, make them ideal as a safe delivery mechanism in agriculture for soil conditioners and agents for the controlled release of fertilizers. Numerous research publications on hydrogel polymer synthesis and its characteristics have been published. However, the current review emphasizes the critical role of superabsorbent hydrogels in an integrated approach for the balanced protection of seeds, plants, and soil to conserve the ecosystem.

Seed osmopriming could be a sustainable method to increase crop establishment, uniform emergence, and growth of plant on the field. Laboratory and field studies were carried out in 2010 cropping season at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, to study the effect of seed osmopriming duration on the germination, emergence, and growth of cowpea seeds. Treatments consisted of three osmopriming duration (soaking in 1% KNO3salt for 6, 8, and 10 hrs), one hydroprimed control (10 hr), and an unprimed control. These five treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated four times. The results showed that osmopriming with KNO3for different durations was at par but was superior to unprimed treatments in terms of seed germination, emergence, plant height, and dry matter accumulation at 3 weeks after sowing. From this study, it can therefore be concluded that seeds of cowpea could be primed (both hydro and osmopriming) for increased performance. However, osmopriming with KNO3salt (soaked in 1% KNO3salt solution and dried before sowing) for 6 hours could result in greater seed germination and seedling height than hydropriming.

Brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens Stal) is considered the main rice insect pest in Asia. Several BPH-resistant varieties of rice have been bred previously and released for large-scale production in various rice-growing regions. However, the frequent surfacing of new BPH biotypes necessitates the evolution of new rice varieties that have a wide genetic base to overcome BPH attacks. Nowadays, with the introduction of molecular approaches in varietal development, it is possible to combine multiple genes from diverse sources into a single genetic background for durable resistance. At present, above 37 BPH-resistant genes/polygenes have been detected from wild species and indica varieties, which are situated on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Five BPH gene clusters have been identified from chromosomes 3, 4, 6, and 12. In addition, eight BPH-resistant genes have been successfully cloned. It is hoped that many more resistance genes will be explored through screening of additional domesticated and undomesticated species in due course.