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The objective of our study was to examine the effect of local environmental conditions, especially air temperature and rainfall, in two agro-ecological regions in Vietnam on the population dynamics of Meloidogyne incognita on black pepper plants and on percentage root galling. The two study sites were situated in Cam Lo, Quang Tri province (North Central Coast) and Buon Ma Thuot, Dac Lac province (Central Highlands). At the study sites, 13 plant-parasitic nematode taxa belonging to 12 genera were identified. Ten of these taxa were present in both study sites. Helicotylenchus certus, Hemicriconemoides cocophilus and Pratylenchus coffeae were only found in Buon Ma Thuot. Based on nematode population densities, M. incognita was the most abundant taxon present. Rainfall and air temperature differed significantly between the two study sites. The most important climatic difference was rainfall: in Buon Ma Thuot, the rainy season lasted 2 months longer and the monthly rainfall during the rainy season was much higher compared to Cam Lo. Although this difference resulted in some differences in the population dynamics of M. incognita in the soil and roots of the black pepper variety Vinh Linh, the highest root population densities were observed in both study sites during the first half of the dry season. In Cam Lo, the highest percentage root galling was observed during the first half of the dry season. In Buon Ma Thuot, the highest percentage root galling was observed towards the end of the rainy season. Estimating the population densities if M. incognita to decide on the application of a management strategy should be done during the first half of the dry season.

The main objective of the study was to determine the species composition, relative abundance and species diversity of avifauna found in and around University of Agriculture Makurdi fish ponds. Transect line approach and direct observation methods were deployed for bird's survey. Transect line approach was established using the dykes on the edges of the fish ponds with an interval of 4m apart. A pair of binoculars was used for direct observation of birds. Data was collected by carefully walking through the dykes on the edges of the fish ponds, counting the birds seen in and around the fish ponds. A field guide "birds of West Africa" was used for identification of birds. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, non paired t-test and independent t-test to test for the diversity between terrestrial and aquatic birds. Frequency and percentage were used to estimate the relative abundance of each species. A total of 17 species made up of 11 terrestrial and 6 aquatic birds belonging to 14 families were identified. A total of 978 birds comprising of both terrestrial and aquatic birds were recorded in the morning hours. While 988 birds comprising of both terrestrial and aquatic birds were recorded in the morning. Ardeola ibis was the most abundant species (21.55%), followed by Streptopelia decipiens (13.73%). It was concluded that the birds observed were mainly local species such as Actophilormis africana, Clamator jacobinus, Centropus senegalensis, Ploceus nigerrimus, and many other species. There was no significant difference in the number of terrestrial and aquatic birds observed during the study. Further studies should be conducted to cover wet season and nocturnal birds to generate a comprehensive list of bird species in and around the University fish farm.

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The need for integration of modern science in the study of medicinal plants is very crucial. Without the application of science, herbal medicine would just remain traditional. The broad objective of the study was to identify the phytochemical properties of these three medicinal plants in order to encourage utilization, conservation and management of these plant species. This research sought to contribute to existing knowledge about the phytochemical constituents and medicinal uses of these plants. The highest concentrations of tannin (11.6%) and flavonoid (10.1%) were found in the leaves of Ceiba petandra. Anthraquinone was not found in any of the plant species investigated. Alkaloid was found only in the leaves of Moringa oleifera with a concentration of 5.4%. Terpenoids were found only in the leaves of Ceiba petandra (4.2%) and in the leaves of Moringa oleifera (3.5%). The least concentration of cyanoglycosides (0.1%) was found in the leaves of Ceiba petandra. It was concluded that leaves of Ceiba petandra, Moringa oleifera and Cymbopogon citratus were the major sources of phytochemicals. The study also revealed that higher quantities of phytochemicals were found in Ceiba petandra leaves when compared with other plant species. This showed that the leaves of Ceiba petandra are highly medicinal. It is recommended that Clinical trials should be conducted on these medicinal plant species to determine their efficacy in the treatment of diseases.