Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State, Nigeria Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State, NigeriaAbstract: Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

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<p> </p><p><strong>Background</strong>: The quality of fibre in kenaf is variety and soil fertility dependent. <strong>Objective:</strong> The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the effects of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on soil properties and fibre quality of four varieties of kenaf <em>(Hibiscus cannabinus</em> L.). <strong>Methodology</strong>: The experiment was laid out as a split-split plot design and replicated four times. The main plot was the years, and the subplots were the four varieties of kenaf (Cuba-108, Ifeken-100, Ifeken-400, and Tainuug 2), and the sub-sub plot was the four rates of poultry manure (0, 5, 10, 15 t/ha) and NPK fertilizer (300 kg/ha). Data were collected on plant height, the number of leaves, stalk girth, stalk weight per net plot and per hectare, fibre weight per hectare and fibre quality (ultimate strength, fibre elongation, and fibre strain). Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) Genstat software package, and significant means were separated using the New Duncan Multiple Range test at a 5% probability level. <strong>Result</strong>: The 2018 sowing showed no superior growth, yield and fibre attributes compared to the 2019 sowing. Cuba-108 had the best growth, fibre yield, and quality with poultry manure at 15t/ha compared to NPK fertilizer at 300kg/ha. <strong>Implications</strong>: The variability in climatic elements during the study period was of no concern compared to soil factors which was the primary determinant of fibre quality irrespective of variety. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: The use of Cuba-108 cultivar and poultry manure at the rate of 15t/ha improved the growth and fibre quality of kenaf in this locality, thus saving foreign exchange, which could have been used in the importation of fibre.</p>

The Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria is beset by increasing population and infrastructural development, thereby putting pressure on available land with rapidly declining fertility due to low organic matter content, soil erosion, high temperature and seasonal bush burning. Sesame is cultivated in this zone and the yield has remained very low, compared to yield in other parts of the world. This could be attributed to poor nutrient status and poor cultural practices used by peasant farmers. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in a southern Guinea savannah zone in 2015 and repeated in 2016 cropping season to determine the effects of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a plant growth regulator and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of sesame. The experiment was laid out as a factorial arrangement, fitted into a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. The factors imposed were 2,4-D (0, 5 and 10 ppm ha−1) and NPK 15:15:15 (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha−1). Data were collected on vegetative traits (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area) and yield components (number of capsules per plant; yield per plant and per hectare). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Genstat statistical package 17th edition and significant means were separated by using the least significant difference at 5% level of probability. The result revealed that using plant growth regulator and NPK fertilizer had significant effects (p<0.05) on plant height (151 cm) and yield per hectare (530 kg/ha). The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the seeds further reaffirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are important health promoting food in the seeds.

Omoregie, A.U., Ogedegbe, F.O. and Onwuenwosi, S. 1998. Crude protein and mineral composition of some forages and supplementary feeds of scavenging nuninants at village level in humid Nigeria. J. The cnrde pmtein and mineml composition of seven agricultuml by-pmducts and four forages w e n studied in relation to the dietary requimments of scavenging ruminants in a humid envirnnment.Analyses of the feeds revealed deficiencies of crude protein, P and Cu in both fiedstuffs and forages, which were more pmnounced in the dry season. As expected, the legumes hud more analysed nutrients than grasses. The provision of supplementary crude protein, P and Cu is tecommended as a routine. firther work is suggested, particularly on the extent and responsiveness of the potential Cu pmblem in the humid wne of Nigeria.

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