The nutritional compositions of selected green leafy vegetables obtained from major towns in Oyo State, Nigeria, (March and April) were determined using standard analytical methods for proximate analysis. The following nutrients in percentage were determined; moisture contents, ash, fat, crude fibre and crude protein. The green leafy vegetable used are Talium triangulare, Amaranthus hybridus, Launaena taraxacifolia Ocimum gratissimum, Celosia argentea, Cucuribita maxima, Abelimoschus esculentus, Solanum macrocarpon, Vernonia amygdalina and Sesamum indicum. All nutrients were present in appreciable quantities. Moisture contents ranged from 5.33 ± 0.06% - 8.33 ± 0.06%, ash (23.07 ± 0.06% - 61.27 ± 0.06%), fat (1.13 ± 0.06% - 3.37 ± 0.06%), crude fibre (2.43 ± 0.12% - 22.03 ± 0.06%), and crude protein (18.50 ± 0.10% - 55.23 ± 0.06%). The functional properties of vegetables were close in term of high protein level indicating that they are more nutritious. Also, the level of their ash content showed that the vegetables are very rich in essential minerals for healthy life when compared with one another and recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Thus, there is a need for farmers in the area to engage in dry season vegetable production so as to ensure availability of leafy vegetables throughout the year.
This study assessed and oversees the pesticides usage, misuse and its effects on environmental degradation in Southwest and some Northern part of Nigeria. It also gathered information on why farmers misused the pesticides. Data for this study were collected from secondary sources like books, electronic sources, experimental and field reports. It was discovered from the literature searched that males were majorly pesticide users than the females. Higher education levels of farmers reduced the misuse of pesticides. Majority of farmers were reusing pesticide containers for keeping valuable thing in homes and that pesticides which are highly toxic are being used by farmers. It was also noted that, farmers are misusing agrochemicals due to inappropriate use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), mixing of two chemicals which are meant to perform different role, lack of checking expiry dates on the pesticides containers and inability of many farmers to read and understand the instructions on pesticide containers. Many farmers experience discomforts such as vomiting, itching eyes, burning sensation, dizziness, nausea etc. Impact of pesticides on the environment were revealed to have detrimental effect on hatching of egg of some aquatic organisms, hinders reproductive and endocrine systems and contamination of food, water, death of livestock, fish death and loss of biodiversity as a result of environmental hazards caused by pesticide usage. It is therefore concluded that farmers should be encouraged to use their complete PPE during pesticides application to avoid having discomfort, and the use of pesticides should not be anchored by old age farmers. Moreso, banned pesticides should be monitored not to be sold in the market, adult education should be organized for the pesticide users and encourage proper disposal of pesticide cans into appropriate incinerator after used.
Aim: This study was designed to determine Aflatoxins present in kola nuts sold in Ibadan metropolis. Study design: Kola nuts were randomly purchased from different markets in Ibadan, Oyo State. Methodology: Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and spectrophotometric method were used for the determination of aflatoxins in the kola nuts samples. Results: All the samples collected were contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were present in the kola nuts samples ranging from 9.73 - 25.43 μg/kg and 10.90 - 29.67 μg/kg respectively. Conclusion: The levels of aflatoxins in the sampled kola nuts were mostly above recommended tolerable limits. It is imperative to enlighten stakeholders on possible ways of handling kola nuts towards reducing the aflatoxin incidences to the barest minimum in order to safeguard the health of the populace.
The proximate, minerals, and phytochemical composition of Ocimum gratissimum plant (OGP) that grew with different manure were investigated. OGseeds were planted in experimental plots in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) laid out in Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora with three replicates having plot size 3 m x 3 m of four treatments namely; Treatment A-No fertilizer or manure -(control), B-Poultry manure, C-N:P:K 15:15:15 and D-Compost manure respectively. Other parameters studied were planted height, leave areas, number of leaves and plant girth. The pre-soil test carried out indicated that the soil had organic matter (OM) content of 1.56%, total N 0.11% and available P 16.92 mg/g. This low level of nutrients justified the need for fertilizer Original Research Article
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