Effects of Fertilization and Irrigation on Establishment and Growth of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Aims: To determine the effects of fertilization and irrigation on establishment and growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in Sokoto, Nigeria and its adaptability. Study Design: A factorial experiment laid down in split – plot design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 dry seasons in upland and lowland areas in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methodology: The effects of nitrogen fertilizer, manure and irrigation interval on percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter of P. virgatum were assessed. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg N ha-1), three rates of manure (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and three irrigation regimes (w2, w4 and w6). Results: Results indicate that there is no significant (P = 0.05) increase in percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter by raising nitrogen rate from 50 to 75 kg N ha-1, manure rate from 5 – 10 t ha-1 or irrigation intervals from w2 to w4 days. The findings of the study revealed that a combination of 50 kg N ha-1, with 5 t ha-1 of manure and w2 irrigation interval enhanced percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter.

Microbiological Analysis of Sachet Drinking Water Marketed at Two Sites in Aliero; Kebbi State; Nigeria

Sachet drinking water; often called as 'pure water' is generally accepted safe for consumption. Ten brands of sachet water are mainly marketed at Kebbi State University of Science et Technology (KSUST) campus and Onion Market of Aliero (AOM). Seven of these are NAFDAC registered. Bacteriological analysis of 50 samples of each of the sachet drinking water samples was carried out to determine the potability of the sampled water. Standard conventional methods were employed for the detection of coliforms (viable count; presumptive coliform count by multiple tube method and confirm coliforms count) and other bacteria. Biochemical analysis as well as microscopic examination was performed for sediments and other debris and/or bacteria; protozoa and other fungal hyphae. Bacteriological analysis of the samples from both sites revealed the presence of pathogens (log 10cfu/ml) viz. Shigella spp. (3.41; 3.31); Salmonella spp. (2.10; 2.05); Staphylococcus aureus (5.04; 5.09); Streptococcus spp. (4.76; 4.80); Bacillus spp. (5.12; 5.10); E. coli (2.0; 1.93) and Yeasts (3.13; 4.00). Most of the sachet water brands fell below WHO drinking water standards and are therefore; of doubtful quality. Out of the ten brand samples tested; four samples showed the presence of contamination in the form of high number of coliforms and occurrence of intestinal pathogens.This indicates that the 'pure water' available in the University campus and Onion market are unfit for human consumption due to their inability to meet up with NAFDAC (2010) and WHO (2011) standard. Efforts need to be intensified in the monitoring of activities in this rapidly expanding industry with a view to raising standards

Volatile organic compounds production during spoilage of African horned cucumber fruits.

Microorganisms associated with the production of volatile organic compound in spoilt African horned cucumber have been isolated by standard plate count (SPC) and identified. The mean aerobic colony count observed for bacteria ranged from 3.3 to 8.3 x 107 CFU/g while those of fungi ranged from 4.0 x 103 to 1.1 x 104 CFU/g. The organisms isolated and identified included three species of bacteria (Bacillus lentus, Bacillus firmus and Paenibacillus alveii) while three of fungi (Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor circinelloides, and Monascus ruber). GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 11 volatile organic compounds in the healthy ripe African horned cucumber and 21 volatile organic compounds in spoilt African horned cucumber. Six volatile organic compounds were common to spoilt and healthy African horned cucumber while 1,2,3, trimethyl benzene, Decane 1,4-Dimethyl-2-ethyl benzene, tetralin, 6- methyl tetralin, phenyl benzene (Lemonene), 2,3-dimethylnaphthale (Guajen), (1- Ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl) benzene, Diphenyl methane (Ditan), Hexadecane, Heptadecane, 6- octadecanoic acid (Z) and 1-Nondecanol were unique to spoilt African horned cucumber fruits. This study suggests that these unique volatile organic compounds could provide baseline knowledge for curbing postharvest losses and the volatile organic compound could form the basis for constructing a metabolomics database for Nigeria.