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Thirty accessions of cowpea from Ebonyi, Enugu and Kogi States, Nigeria were used for the study. Seeds of the accessions were randomized in a plot measuring 50x50 meters for three growing seasons. Our results on yield and yield-related traits showed that three principal components were extracted, which contributed 82.23% of the total variability. It revealed that number of seeds pod-1 , 100-seed weight, pod length, days to 50% maturity, seed yield, number of leaves plant-1 contributed significantly to the total genetic variability while for proximate composition, four principal components accounted for 93.75% of the total genetic divergence. Cluster analysis revealed that accessions were grouped not necessarily based on geographical location but genetics. Selection for high yielding accessions should be done on cluster 2 as we recommend selection and hybridization of accessions from cluster 1, 2, and 3 for optimal benefit.

Background: Rapid population growth of human and livestock create increasing demands for food, nutrition security in developing countries and therefore alternative feed resources must be identified and evaluated. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on supplemented feed on the growth and carcass quality of broilers in Calabar. Methodology: Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were bought and collected from Calabar, Nigeria. The leaves were dried for four days and milled. A total of 40 broiler chicks that 48 day-olds, unsexed (rose 308) were sourced from a reputable poultry farm in Calabar. The broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (A, B, C and D). 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of MOLM were incorporated into the broiler feed which constituted the four treatment groups. Each group was replicated ten times at 10 birds per replicate. The following parameters were taken including feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and carcass quality. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The diet supplemented with 5% of MOLM showed significantly high body weight and followed by 10% of MOLM. Feed intake values were significantly (p<0.05) different across the treatment groups. The weight gain (WG) was statistically similar for group B and C but significantly (p<0.05) different in group D; with birds fed with 10% MOLM based diet having the highest WG. The feed conversion ratio of the birds were not significantly (p>0.05) different in group B and C, but differed significantly (P<0.05) in group D when compared with the control in group A. Carcass characteristics showed higher values of dressing percentage in birds fed supplemented with 10% MOLM (group C). The levels of MOLM were not significantly different in terms of liver weight, heart weight, kidney weight and abdominal fat. Conclusion: Overall, the best significant improvement in the response indices were obtained in birds fed 10% MOLM, while there was a reduced performance of birds feed with 15% MOLM.

Background and Objectives: The study measured the impact of crude oil fractions and its derivatives like kerosene on the early life and sub-adults growth of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus in terms of mild, acute and chronic toxicity effect. It also examines the effect of indiscriminate spillage of crude oil derivatives on aquatic organisms.  Materials and Methods: Blood profiles such as Red Blood Cell count (RBC), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Blood Differentials, Hemoglobin, (HB), and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of the treated fishes and control were estimated after exposure of the fish to the kerosene pollutant. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to8.0ml/l, 16.0ml/l, 25.0ml/l and 50.0ml/l of kerosene pollutant varied from erratic swimming, moribund movement, jumping and lack of balance. Results: At concentration 8.0ml/L, mean total mortality was observed within 72hours of exposure. The lethal concentration (LC50) was 8.0ml/L and highest mean mortality observed with 80% kerosene pollutant. PCV of the exposed fish was 26% when compared to the control 27%, HB was 8.9 gdl as against 9.0 gdl in the control. Total WBC was 640 x 109/L as against 1280 x 109/L in control. RBC reading was 2.1 compared to 5.3 mm3 of the control.  Lymphocyte was 80%, Neutrophil was 4% and monocyte 16% compared to 62%, 8% and 30% in control respectively. There was decrease in white blood cells counts for 8.0, 16.0, 25.0 and 50.0ml/L groups (p<0.05) compared to the control. Conclusion: The study concludes that it is necessary to ensure the safety of aquatic life forms especially fishes, by minimizing aquatic pollution with kerosene to sustain fish food quality, availability and security.

Background: Medicinal plants have been a good source of drugs for humans, but chronic and prolong use of medicinal plants like Phyllanthus amarus for the treatment of malaria and other disorders are issues of concerns. This study evaluated the effect of Phyllanthus amarus on reproductive organs and sperm parameters in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four healthy male albino rats of 12 weeks old were assigned into four groups with six rats in each group using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experimental animals were orally treated with Phyllanthus amarus. Group A served as the control and was given only water and feed; Group B, C and D  received 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW and 300 mg/kgBW of Phyllanthus amarus respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The treatments lasted for a period of 65 days after two weeks of acclimatization. Results: The results showed statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in weight of testes and epididymes, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm count and sperm head abnormalities in male  rats treated with Phyllanthus amarus when compared to the control. The sperm pH was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by Phyllanthus amarus among the different treatment groups in the experimental animals. Conclusion: Findings from the present study indicate that Phyllanthus amarus possesses a dose-dependent anti-fertility activity in amale albino rats under a sub-chronic course of administration.

This survey was carried out to evaluate the perception of the people of Cross River State on genetically modified products (GMPs). The survey was carried out in four local government areas of Cross River State (Odukpani, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Akpabuyo) with 1000 respondents in each local government area giving a total of 4000 respondents. Data obtained from the questionnaire shared to the respondents were carefully collated and presented in simple percentages for ease of understanding. The demographic data showed that there were more males in the study (51.2%) than females (48.80%). Majority of the respondents were aged 25-35 years (46%). Most respondents had tertiary education (65.25%) and were majorly civil servants (27%) and businessmen (22.25%). A greater percentage of the respondents (63.75%) never heard of GMPs prior to this research. It was grossly observed that most of the respondents had various fears and concerns about GMPs.  However, 58.5% agreed that the adoption of biotechnological principles in agriculture will increase productivity. In clear terms, we are still far behind in consumer knowledge of GMPs and there is need for more robust efforts in bringing this great technology to the minds of the consumers.

Aim: To investigate the influence of seasonal variations and photoperiodism on the growth phases and cropping cycles of selected rice genotypes in Nigeria Study Design: The study was a 2 factor factorial experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replicates.

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