Issue 1
Articles in This Issue
Comparative Insecticidal Activity and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition of Vitex doniana Stem Extract and Azadirachta indica Seed Oil against Sitophilus zeamais.
Sitophilus zeamais is among the most destructive pests of stored maize, causing post-harvest losses in quantity and quality. Although synthetic insecticides are widely used for its control, concerns regarding insecticide resistance, pesticide residues and environmental and human health risks have increased interest in botanical alternatives. This study compared the insecticidal activity of Vitex doniana stem extract and Azadirachta indica seed oil against S. zeamais and assessed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to provide insight into their mode of insecticidal action. Adult mortality, repellency, progeny emergence, emergence inhibition and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were evaluated at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 24%. Both botanicals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, with A. indica seed oil showing greater efficacy than V. doniana stem extract, achieving 93.33% and 71.67% mortality, respectively, at 24% concentration. Probit analysis yielded LC50 values of 1.23% for A. indica seed oil and 5.33% for V. doniana stem extract. Repellency at 24% was 86.67% for A. indica seed oil and 60.00% for V. doniana stem extract. Both treatments suppressed progeny emergence, with A. indica seed oil achieving 99.75% emergence inhibition compared with 71.76% for V. doniana stem extract at 24%. Both treatments reduced AChE activity, with the lowest activity (0.0038 μmol/min) recorded in insects treated with 24% A. indica seed oil, suggesting that cholinergic interference may contribute to insecticidal activity. These findings suggest that both botanicals possess insecticidal activity against S. zeamais, with A. indica seed oil exhibiting greater efficacy and potential as a protectant for stored maize.
Effects of extract from Castor oil seed on the Stomach of Adult Wistar Rats
Rats rank among the most destructive rodent pests, contaminating stored food grains, causing structural and properties damage and spreading diseases including Lassa fever to both humans and animals. Because rodenticides carry harmful environmental consequences, there’s a clear need to explore alternative control methods that are less damaging to the ecosystem, supporting human safety and protecting food supplies. This study assessed the rodenticidal effects of castor oil seeds on rat stomach histology to control stored product rodent populations. Thirty albino rats (9-10 weeks old) were divided into three replicated groups, each with varying doses of Dichloromethane extract from castor seeds mixed with commercial rat feed. Thirty 9–10-week-old albino rats were divided into three replicated groups with five treatments in each replicate, housing two rats of both sexes per treatment. The rats had unlimited access to food and water. Castor oil seeds were crushed and soaked in Dichloromethane for 24 hours, then extracted and air-dried. The extract was mixed with rat feed in varying doses (200 mg/g, 400 mg/g, 600 mg/g and 800 mg/g of extract to feed) administered to the rats. A control group received only commercial rat feed. The results showed a slight increase in stomach weight (7.12 - 7.50 g) with increasing doses, but no significant difference compared to the control group (6.67). However, histological analysis revealed severe tissue damage in rats treated with the extract, indicating the potential of castor oil seed extract to induce stomach damage in living organisms.
An Assessment of Grain Food Security in Nigeria - 2006-2015.
This study evaluated the level of grain food security in Nigeria by examining the relationships among population growth, grain production, grain imports, grain exports, and grain demand between 2006 and 2015. A quantitative ex post facto research design was adopted using secondary time-series data obtained from the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), FAOSTAT, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and World Grain publications. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis were employed to assess the relationships among the selected variables. The findings revealed that Nigeria's population increased steadily throughout the study period, while grain production failed to keep pace with rising demand. Grain production exhibited weak negative correlations with grain imports (r = –0.40), grain exports (r = –0.20), and grain demand (r = –0.02), whereas population growth showed a moderate positive correlation with grain imports (r = 0.50), indicating increasing dependence on imported grains to satisfy domestic food demand. The study concludes that sustainable grain food security requires integrated policies that increase domestic grain production, strengthen strategic grain reserves, reduce postharvest losses, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and improve food security governance and agricultural value-chain development.
Assessment of Strategies Used by Merchants for Postharvest Loss Control of Pawpaw and Banana in Kano, State, Nigeria.
This study assessed strategies adopted by pawpaw and banana marketers to reduce postharvest losses (PHLs) in selected markets in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of marketers and examined strategies used to mitigate PHLs at different stages of the marketing chain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 159 pawpaw marketers, comprising 39 wholesalers and 120 retailers, and 120 banana marketers, comprising 19 wholesalers and 101 retailers, from three markets. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered by personal interviews and analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Poor market patronage was identified as a major cause of PHLs. Strategies adopted to mitigate this included buyer persuasion (32.5%), advertisement (30.0%), attractive packaging (22.5%), and price reduction (20.0%). Other prominent causes included inadequate transportation, obsolete storage facilities, pest and disease infestation, and adverse weather conditions. Commonly adopted mitigation practices included the use of jute bags, storage under shade, selection of suitable transport vehicles, and training in improved postharvest management. The findings highlight significant gaps in transportation and storage infrastructure and limited access to improved management skills. Strengthening market and transport infrastructure, expanding access to affordable storage facilities, and providing targeted training in modern postharvest management practices are recommended to reduce PHLs and improve the efficiency and profitability of pawpaw and banana marketing in Kano Metropolis.
Characterization of Functional, Pasting, and Microstructural Properties of Mung Bean Starch.
Mung bean starch, a promising but underutilized ingredient, has the potential for wider application in the food industry. This study aimed to characterize its functional, pasting, and microstructural properties to provide a scientific basis for its enhanced use. Starch was isolated from dehulled mung beans, and its properties were analysed using standard methods. The starch exhibited high dispersibility (84.3%), swelling power (9.66 g/g), bulk density (0.94 g/ml), water absorption capacity (2.25 g/g), and oil absorption capacity (3.09 g/g). The values of peak viscosity, trough, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature were 7946 cP, 4382 cP, 3564 cP, 5044 cP, 662.5 cP, 4.17 min and 75.98 °C, respectively. The starch displayed a Type-C X-ray diffraction pattern, typical of legume starches. Scanning electron microscopy revealed irregularly shaped, oval, and kidney-shaped granules with a wide size distribution (0.7–52.2 μm). The prevalence of small granules suggests a strong affinity for water, potentially increasing yields in starch-based products. The unique combination of moderate thermal/shear stability, and microstructural characteristics makes mung bean starch a valuable ingredient for improving textural properties and enhancing yield in various food formulations, highlighting its potential for industrial applications.