The effect of different weights of seed yam (250g, 300g and 350g) on growth and tuber yield of white yam were evaluated. The results showed a significant differences (P<0.05) among the three seed weight yam weights in vine length, number and basal diameter, and leaf number measured at 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting respectively. There were gradual increases in vine length and basal diameter, and leaf number as the seed yam weight increased throughout (he sampling period. The highest mean values of 4.5, 175cm, 8mm and 69.8 were recorded for vine number, length and basal diameter, and leaf number respectively, at 12 weeks after planting. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P<0.05) between seed yam weight of 300g and 350g but they were significantly higher than seed yam weight of 250g for vine number, and basal diameter and leaf number. The results on yield parameters revealed that the tuber number, length and fresh weight increased. The results showed that there were no significant differences (I'<0.05) between seed yam weight of 300g and 350g but they were significantly higher than seed yam weight of 250g for fresh tuber weight, number and length. However, the highest values were recorded in seed yam weight of 350g. There were no significant differences between 300g and 350g. Thus, this study seed yam weight of 300g could be the ideal size for farmers growing white yam in acidic soils of Anwai, Delta State.
Rubber industry in Nigeria is a source of livelihood to many people (producers and marketers)but a recent trend shows a fast disappearing rubber industry. The economic risks associated with disappearing rubber plantations is a serious challenge to individuals and societies as the natural, social and economic benefits of the industry are gradually eroded. Revamping the rubber plantation will restore and sustain the livelihood of the stakeholders in the industry. This study therefore examined the strategic revamping of the disappearing rubber industry and implications for livelihood sustainability in Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 480 respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Collected data were analyzed with parametric and non- parametric statistical tools. Such as mean percentage, standard deviation, frequency distribution table. Logit regression model was used to analyze the factors that influence farmers’ probability to revamp natural rubber production. The finding shows that majority of the rubber farmers (85.38%) were old (51 – 70 years), cultivated between 0.5 and 1.0 hectares (small-scale production with large family size (above 5 persons) About 76.70% of rubber farmers expressed willingness to revamp rubber plantations. Identified livelihood capitals could significantly enhance the possibility of revamping rubber production system. Subsidizing the cost of relevant inputs (seedlings), discovery of foreign markets for rubber and large scale acquisition of land by corporate organization for rubber farming were the significant strategies identified and recommended for revamping rubber industry in Delta state, Nigeria. This study has expanded the frontier of literature on rubber by emphasizing that revamping rubber production has implications for livelihood sustainability for rubber farmers and marketers in Nigeria.
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