No abstract

No abstract

Abstract:Maize is an important economic crop grown in Nigeria. Its production is dramatically affect by the pink stem borer-Sesamia calamistis (Hampson, Noctuidae) and sugarcane borer-Eldana saccharina (Walker, Pyralidae) that are endemic in Southeastern Nigeria. In areas of stress, existing genotypes may marginally do well due to their inherent capabilities. Therefore, it is possible to find useful genes in such areas of stress, since such genes have been responsible for the survival of host crops over the years. Evaluation study was conducted for a range of agronomic characteristics and resistance attributes for 209 local maize collections from Southeastern Nigeria along with three improved check varieties. Field trials were conducted at three locations in a total of four environments in 2001. Highly significant genotypic variances as were noted in all the traits, are indicative of the magnitude of variation that exists among the genotypes, thus providing the opportunity of selection for desirable traits. Furthermore, four traits, namely, leaf feeding, ear damage, stalk lodging and yield were used from across the environments to construct a rank summation index (RSI), which was used to rank the entries for resistance to stem borers. This RSI led to the identification of 11 genotypes which represents the best 5% of the 212 genotypes in resistance ability. Genotype AMA TZBR-WC 1 (from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan) had the best overall resistance levels, followed by genotypes SE NG-77 and SE NG-67 (from Umuahia North), SE NG-62 (from Ikwuano), SE NG-148 (from Ukwa West), SE NG-106 (from Bende), SE NG-119 (from Isiala Ngwa), SE NG-33 (from Ikwuano) and SE NG-65 (from Umuahia North).

No abstract

The assessment of indigenous knowledge for the storage of Monodora myristica seed for planting was carried out in three states (Abia, Enugu and Akwa-Ibom states) of South eastern agroecology. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 farmers from two LGAs each and 135 retrieved. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics like percentage, mean scores, frequency, bar and pie chart. Collection/gathering of M. myristica is mostly done by men between the ages of 61-70%. Those involved in gathering of M. myristica seeds were married and formally educated people. The study further revealed that traditional method of storage is widely accepted since it promotes seed germination as investigated by 74% of the respondents. Insect pest is one of the problems encountered by the farmers hence 66.7% of the respondents have solicited for government assistance. This problem should therefore be addressed as seed security is essential in ensuring increased use of agro-biodiversity which would in turn expand the options, opportunities and remains available at the rural grassroots level to improve nutrition and health, safeguard the household economic security and enhance sustainable agriculture.