Banana is one of the most widely distributed and consumed fruit in tropical and subtropical countries. In this study, six Musa acuminata varieties locally available in Zaria, Nigeria, were evaluated to determine their nutritional composition. Results from proximate composition demonstrated that lipid content was profoundly (p<0.05) lower in Musa acuminata Red, calorie value was statistically (p<0.05) lower in Musa acuminata AAB (Omini white) compared to all other species analyzed. Amino acid analysis indicated that histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the M. acuminata Red compared to other varieties in this study. Vitamin study showed that Musa acuminata Red had significant (p<0.05) higher contents of vitamins A, B3, C and E but significantly (p<0.05) lower in B1. Vitamin B1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in M. acuminata AAA (Saro), while M. acuminata AAB (Omini white) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Vitamin A. Mineral analysis showed that Musa acuminata Red was statistical (p<0.05) higher in potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium in comparison to other varieties of Musa acuminata pulp analyzed. In conclusion, high nutrient composition of Musa acuminata Red may be more advantageous over other varieties for use as functional food.
Efficacy of chicken eggshell powder at concentrations 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g /100 g maize, for control of Sitophilus zeamais, were compared with permethrin at dosage rate of 0.167g / 100 g of yellow maize. Experiments were conducted at Biotechnology laboratory (NSPRI), Ilorin under ambient condition (26±3oC 65±5% RH). Mortality of S. zeamais increased with increasing dosages of the CESP as well as with days of exposure. CESP at 2.0g gives 96.67% mortality which is not significantly different from the positive control. The mean progeny emergence (0.00%), weight loss (1.11%), and percentage grain damage (19.68%) by S. zeamais was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased with increased dosage of CESP. However, CESP did not significantly affect seed germination. Total coliform count at 2.0 g (2.48 x 102) was significantly different from both positive and negative controls at p<0.05 Therefore, CESP can serve as a good maize protectant which can be used as substitute for synthetic chemicals.
This study was conducted to assess the incidence of seed-borne fungi, insect emergence as it affect the germinability rate of rice seed collected from the major rice growing areas of Kwara State, Nigeria, The rice seeds were collected during the dry season of 2019. Five (5) fungi species were isolated from all the rice samples. The incidence of fungi pathogens vary from one locality to another, as well as the frequency of occurrence. The pathogens isolated include Fusarium. oxysporium, Aspergillus spp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus., Cladosporium sp., Mucor sp. FARO 44 rice variety has the highest incidence of fungal pathogen(12.5× 104) while local varieties Alhaji Sule and Kuddo has the lowest incidence of (0.5× 104) respectively. Penicillium sp. has the highest percentage frequency of occurrence (49.3%) while cladosporium sp has lowest (1.33%) across all samples. Sample 9(F-52), 15(E) and 17(K) has the lowest percentage germinability of 41, 40 and 45% while sample 11(AB) and 8(K) has the highest percentage germinability of 84% and 77% respectively. All the samples do not have the most serious damaging insect infestation of Sitophilus oryzae but some of the sample has infestation of some other insects such as Rhyzopertha dominca, a lesser grain borer and a primary stored pest of cereals, Tribolium. castaneum a secondary pest and some other unidentified insects in varying percentage. Measures such as lowest moisture content of seed meant for storage and proper cleaning of the store must be put in place to avoid seed deterioration as a result of seed borne fungal pathogen and insect infestation.
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