Journal of Agricultural Science and Environment

EVALUATING A POPULATION DYNAMICS OF TERMINALIA IVORENSIS A.CHEV. - A THREATENED TREE SPECIES IN NIGERIA

S. BAMIGBOYE — 2026-04-10

Ivory Coast Almond (Terminalia ivorensis A.Chev.) is a threatened tree species in Nigeria that is being widely harvested by local people for several uses. This study examined a wild population of this species in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria to determine the status of this population. Data were generated from basal stem diameter and stem height of individuals of this species in the population sampled. Population distribution curves were constructed. There was a bell shape curve of the population distribution which depicts population with poor regeneration capacity, non-viable population and a population strongly affected by ecological disturbances. This study revealed there is a potential increase in local extinction risk of Terminalia ivorensis if populations of this species remain unviable. It is recommended that regeneration of this species be encouraged within areas suitable for its growth and development and reforestations using this species should also be encouraged.

ENSILING PROPORTION AND DURATION EFFECTS ON FERMENTATION, NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND METHANE CHARACTERISTICS OF MAIZE–DANIELLA SILAGE

E. D. BADEJO — 2026-04-10

Seasonal fodder scarcity necessitates alternative silage strategies such as combining maize with Daniella oliveri which may enhance fermentation quality, nutritive value, digestibility, and methane mitigation in tropical ruminant systems. This study evaluated the effects of ensiling proportions and durations of maize (Zea mays) and Daniella oliveri on fermentation quality, nutrient composition, fibre fractions, in vitro digestibility, and methane production of mixed silages. Forage proportions comprising 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 maize–Daniella ratios were ensiled in laboratory silos for 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks in a 5 × 5 factorial arrangement fitted into a completely randomized design. Physical characteristics, pH, organic acids, proximate composition, fibre fractions, forage quality indices, in vitro gas production, and methane emissions were determined. Sole maize silage exhibited superior fermentation quality, with lower pH, higher lactic acid, and reduced butyric acid levels, while sole D. oliveri silage consistently showed poor fermentation stability with elevated pH (>6.0) and high butyric acid. Inclusion of D. oliveri improved crude protein (up to 172 g/kg DM at 75M: 25D, 8 weeks) and ether extract content but also increased fibre fractions and reduced fermentation quality at higher proportions. In vitro assessments revealed greater energy efficiency and digestibility in maize-dominated silages, whereas sole D. oliveri produced the highest methane gas (17.3 ml/200 mg DM). Overall, 25% inclusion of D. oliveri with maize balanced nutritional enhancement and fermentation quality, while minimizing methane emissions. These results suggest maize–Daniella silage as a sustainable dry-season feed option for ruminant animal production in the tropics.

PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF CATFISH FARMERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

M. G. OGUNNAIKE — 2026-04-10

Fish farming in Nigeria today tends to be on the increase, but there are some factors limiting its efficiency in the country. The study investigated the production efficiency of fish farmers in Ogun State. The study was conducted with three hundred (300) catfish farmers sampled using multistage random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the fish farmers in the study area. Stochastic frontier model was used to measure the production efficiency; budgetary techniques were employed in computing the income accruing to fish production while Tobit regression model was used to estimate the effect of farm efficiency on the profitability of fish production in the study area. Socio-economic characteristics of the fish farmers revealed that majority (84%) of the respondents fall within 51 – 65 years of age, 86% were males, 80% were married and 53% have relatively large household size that ranges between 4 and 6 members. The rate of return on capital investment (RORCI) for the fish farmers was 157%, implying that for every N1 invested into culture fish, N 1.57 was made as revenue; which is about 57 kobo realized as returns. The rate of return on capital invested (RORCI), otherwise called efficiency level was 0.57. The parameter estimates of the production function showed that labour (p<0.01), quantity of fingerlings (p<0.10), and depreciation cost of equipment (p<0.05) had significant influence on output of the fish farmers. Thus, an increase in the labour man-hours, quantity of fingerlings and depreciative cost of equipment will bring about increase in the productivity of the fish farmers. The study recommends that fish farmers in the study area should adapt cost effective measures in fish production to earn better returns among others.

FACTORS INFLUENCING LEVEL OF VALUE ADDITION FOR EDIBLE MUSHROOMS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

O. H. OSINOWO — 2026-04-10

Despite the increasing economic and nutritional importance of edible mushrooms in Nigeria, there remains limited empirical evidence on the factors influencing value addition within the sector. This research investigated the determinants of value addition in the context of edible mushroom production in Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey involving 120 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique from the study area. The study employed dominance analysis, Likert scale, and multiple linear regression techniques. Dominance analysis showed that 47.0% of the respondents have completed secondary education, with an average age of 53.5 years. Major challenges faced by mushroom producers and marketers were: inadequate infrastructure (81.2%), limited value addition equipment (76.7%), low consumer awareness regarding mushroom nutrition (66.6%) and quality control issues (65.2%). Empirical results from the regression model indicated that processing techniques (β = 1.9937; p < 0.10), loan acquisition (β = 0.9642; p < 0.01), education (β = 0.2877; p < 0.05), years of experience (β = 0.2902; p < 0.05), and cooperative membership (β = 0.3923; p < 0.10) significantly influenced value addition in mushroom production. Conversely, sex, branding and packaging, marital status, and household size showed no significant effects. The study concluded that adoption of modern processing methods, improved access to credit, enhanced education and experience, and participation in cooperative societies are key drivers of value addition in edible mushroom production in the study area. It recommends that government and other relevant stakeholders should create an enabling environment that supports technological adoption, capacity development, and financial access for mushroom producers to enhance value addition and market competitiveness.

EFFECTS OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA) LEAF MEAL ON ORGANS WEIGHT AND HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF RABBIT BUCKS

W. U. OSIAGOR — 2026-04-10

Soursop (Annona muricata) leaves contain useful bioactive compounds and may serve as a natural, low-cost feed ingredient to support rabbit health and productivity. This study investigated the effects of Soursop (Annona muricata) leaf meal on organ weights and haematological indices of rabbit bucks. Sixty mixed-bred rabbit bucks, 20 weeks old with weight range of 1.7–2.0 kg were acclimatized for two weeks and randomly assigned into five dietary treatments containing 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g/kg of soursop leaf meal for 10 weeks. Each treatment consisted of 12 rabbits, divided into 3 replicates of 4 rabbits each. Organ weights and haematological indices were evaluated and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with means separated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in organ weights, with the highest values for liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and testes generally recorded at 200 g/kg inclusion, indicating enhanced organ development without toxicity. Haematological parameters showed dose-dependent increases in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell counts, alongside decreases in white blood cell and platelet counts, suggesting improved erythropoiesis and immunomodulatory effects. These findings demonstrate that soursop leaf meal, particularly at moderate levels, can serve as a beneficial feed supplement to promote health and physiological function in rabbit bucks.

PERCEPTIONS OF BIOINFORMATICS IN PLANT BREEDING AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS

A. A. LAWAL — 2026-04-10

Bioinformatics is increasingly essential across biology, agriculture, medicine, and environmental sciences due to the growing demand for advanced data-driven research. In plant breeding, it enables analysis of complex genomic datasets to enhance yield, resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and nutritional quality. This study assessed awareness, understanding, interest, and perceived challenges related to bioinformatics among plant breeding students in Nigerian Universities through an online survey distributed via Google Forms. Responses were collected from Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-graduate students, with measures implemented to prevent duplication. Findings revealed high awareness (83.7%) and substantial understanding of bioinformatics concepts (71.8%). Interest was particularly strong among postgraduate students, with 89.7% recognizing its importance for the future of plant breeding. Key challenges included insufficient interdisciplinary training, curriculum limitations, and inadequate computational resources. Despite these barriers, 93.7% of respondents supported introduction of dedicated bioinformatics courses. Students further anticipated that bioinformatics would accelerate plant breeding through predictive modeling and contribute significantly to food security. The findings emphasize the urgent need for strengthened bioinformatics education, faculty training, and infrastructural support in Nigerian Universities to equip future plant breeders with essential computational skills.

Guide to Author

E.A. Makinde — 2026-04-10

E.O. Makinde — 2026-04-10