In a bid to test the wound healing effect of a crude methanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Linn.), 20 animals were divided into two groups of ten animals each representing control and experimental groups. Each animal had a 2cm x 2cm area of skin on the right dorsolateral flank area marked and excised. The resulting area of skin wound in the experimental group was dressed with crude methanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides at a five daily interval while the animals in the control group were dressed with normal saline at the same interval. The wound area was measured at the tenth post-operative day for animals in both groups and the percentage wound contraction calculated. Sample of granulation tissues and end scar obtained from these animals and prepared by routine paraffin wax method. Fibroblast and blood vessel counts were determined in both groups. The result showed a significant increase in the percentage wound contraction at day 10 in the experimental group compared with the control (82.3 ± 1.6 % vs 55.0 ± 4.2 %), P < 0.05. The wound of animals in both groups showed excellent granulation tissue formation and minimal signs of wound infection. There was a significant reduction in the mean fibroblast count in the experimental group compared with the control (44.2 ± 5.8/ high power field vs 90.2 ± 17. 4 / high power field),P < 0.05. The exact significance of this cannot however be determined. There was no significance difference in the vessel count. It was concluded that extract of Ageratum conyzoides has a better wound healing enhancing action compared with normal saline treated controls. This effect may be due to the antimicrobial properties of Ageratum conyzoides.
Emerging trends and advances in the citrus industry globally necessitates updating farmers knowledge and skill base to cope profitably in the industry. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the disposition of farmers to training on improved techniques of citrus production and also examine production constraints confronting them. Randomly selected 321 citrus farmers from Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states were assessed through the use of pretested interview schedule. Data generated were analysed through frequency counts, percentages,and means. Results showed that 74.7% and 60.5% of farmers in Ekiti and Osun states had a favourable attitude to training. Four topmost constraints limiting production are: pest problem > low yielding trees> premature fruit drop > lack of capital. Farmers should be trained in integrated pest management techniques for citrus to handle pest issues, and also encouraged to plant improved budded citrus seedlings which are high yielding. Reduction of bureaucratic procedures involved in accessing special government agricultural loans should be minimized to assist the farmers address capital constraint. Capacity of farmers favourably disposed towards training should be strengthened through organized training programmes.
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