July 2009

Effect of benzyl amino purine (BAP), coconut milk (CM) and manure applications on leaf senescence and yield in photoperiod sensitive cowpea variety (Kanannado)

  The relationship between leaf senescence in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.] and yield was studied in pot grown population of a local variety, kanannado. Treatments comprising of farm yard manure (single and double application), 200 ppm benzyl amino purine (BAP), 15% coconut milk (CM) and a combination of both manure and the hormones were also applied to determine their effects on senescence and yield....

Author(s): F. B. Mukhtar, M. Mohammed and A. H. Ajeigbe

July 2009

Agronomic, culinary, and genetic characterization of selected cowpea elite lines using farmers’ and breeder’s knowledge: A case study from Malawi

  Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important crop in Malawi. It provides dietary nutrients and income to poor-resource farmers. However production and productivity are below the potential level due to lack of suitable varieties. The objective of the study was to select the productive and diverse cowpea varieties that are acceptable to farmers and consumers using a participatory variety...

Author(s): K. K. Nkongolo, J. Bokosi, M. Malusi, Z. Vokhiwa, and M. Mphepo

July 2009

Antiviral properties of two Nigerian plants

   Ethanolic extracts were prepared from Bambusa vulgaris and Aframomum melegueta. They were analysed for antiviral activities against three human viruses namely: measles, yellow fever and polio viruses by standard laboratory tests. Both extracts showed antiviral activities against one or two viruses. B. vulgaris resulted in inhibition only on measles virus at MIC of 62.5 µg/ml while A. melegueta...

Author(s): O. O. Ojo, J. O. Oluyege and O. Famurewa