Maize, a highly cultivated multipurpose cereal has different varieties grown globally. Six majorly known varieties (Hybrid red solo- V1, Red solo- V2, Solo- V3, Popcorn- V4, Small white- V5 and Big white- V6) found in south-western Nigeria were purposefully selected because of their abundance across the region and were analyzed for their proximate composition. Their composition of different nutrients varied; % crude fat was significantly higher in V5 (4.25%), V4 had a significantly higher % ash content of 1.93%, % crude protein ranged from 9.32% – 15.75%, V2 had a significantly low % crude fibre of 0.86%, while V1 had a significantly higher % carbohydrate content of 74.40%. Knowledge of the levels of nutrients present in the different varieties will help in choosing the variety that can suit any intended purpose. V6 (Big white) seems to be the most preferable for human and animal consumption because of its significantly high content in protein and crude fibre coupled with a considerably high fat content.

Aims:This study evaluated potentials of aqueous extract of pod husk of Parkia biglobosa as a biopesticide in okra production. Study Design: The study employed a radomized complete block design with seven treatments (5, 10, 15 and 20% Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE), 2.5 ml dimethoate + cypermethrin (D+C) -recommended, 5.0 ml (D+C), control -500 ml of water) and replicated three times. Place and Duration of Study: Crop Garden of Department of Crop Protection and EnvironmentalBiology, University of Ibadan (7° 34'N and 3° 54'E) between April and July 2016. Methodology: The leaves, seeds, pod husks and bark of Parkia biglobosa were collected, authenticated and analyzed for their phytochemical compositions using standard procedures. Fayinminnu et al.; JAERI, 12(1): 1-12, 2017; Article no.JAERI.32529 2 Aqueous extract of the pod husk of the plant (PPHE) was found to contain the highest phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively which formed the basis of using it as a biopesticide. A field study was conducted at the crop garden of Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, to assess the potency of the extract as a biopesticide and a synthetic insecticide -Dimethoate 14.5% + Cypermethrin 5.5% (D+C) on the management of flea beetles on NHAe-47-4 okra variety. The seven treatments (5, 10, 15 and 20% Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE), 2.5 ml dimethoate + cypermethrin (D+C)recommended, 5.0 ml (D+C) (synthetic), control -500 ml of water) were applied weekly on okra plants from two Weeks After Sowing (WAS) till 12 WAS. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters, dry matter accumulation of A. esculentus and flea beetle populations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at P = 0.05. Results: Results revealed that treatment 20% PPHE had relatively higher values of growth parameters which compared favorably (p≤0.05) with 2.5 ml and 5 ml (D+C). Yield parameters; Number of fruits and fruit weights from 20%PPHE also compared favorably with 2.5 ml and 5 ml (D+C) with no significant difference (P >0 .05) and with the same trend in dry root weight. While the dry shoot weight of 2.5 ml (D+C) treatment (p≤0.05) was different from other treatments. The control treatment however, revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in having reduced growth and low yield when compared with the treated plots. Conclusion: This study showed the efficacy and potency of Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE) in suppressing the flea beetles due to its highest quantities of phytochemicals. The 20% concentration also enhanced the growth and yield of okra and performed relatively well with the recommended dose (2.5 ml) of D+C. The aqueous pod husk extract, therefore could serve as a biopesticide for food sustainability and safety. Original Research Article

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Sesamum indicum (sesame) are edible plants that provide a lot of nutritional benefits to man; despite their wide consumption and benefits, their seed oils remain underutilized. Seed oils from these plants found in south-western Nigeria were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet apparatus and n-hexane as the solvent; physico-chemical properties were determined using standard analytical procedures. Watermelon seed oil had a golden brown colour while sesame seed oil had a carton brown colour; they had saponification values of 258.99 mgKOH/g and 261.34 mgKOH/g respectively. Acid value ranged from 2.13 – 2.51 mgKOH/g; iodine value of 39.7 - 42.3 gI2/100g and peroxide value of 1.39 – 2.43 meqKOH/g was determined in the seed oils. Oils from these seeds have numerous domestic and industrial potentials such as cooking, frying, production of soaps, and cosmetics to mention a few.

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