October - Volume 1, Number 1 (2023)
COMPARATIVE SOIL ASSESSMENT OF ALLOPHANIC AND NON-ALLOPHANIC LAYERS IN VOLCANIC ASH SOIL: KYUSHU, JAPAN
Hiroshi Tanaka, Dr. Takeshi Yamamoto
Andosols, characterized as soils formed from volcanic ash, constitute the cornerstone for upland agriculture in Japan. These soils are further categorized into allophanic and non-allophanic types. Allophanic Andosols, covering 4.51 million ha or 69.9% of the total Andosol area, are primarily located in regions with substantial Holocene tephra deposits. Conversely, non-allophanic Andosols, accounting for 1.95 million ha or 30.1% of the total Andosol area, predominate in areas with minor tephra deposition (Saigusa and Matsuyama, 1998). While both types share core properties such as a thick black A-horizon, high phosphate fixation, excellent water retention, and low bulk density, non-allophanic Andosols exhibit...
ASSESSING BLACK SIGATOKA RESISTANCE IN PLANTAIN VARIETIES OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Amadou Traoré, Jean-Claude Yao Aké, Marie-Claire Kouassi, Ibrahim Coulibaly
Plantain (Musa spp. AAB) holds significant agricultural and economic value, particularly in regions of West and Central Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This versatile crop, renowned for its high starch content, serves as a year-round staple for small-scale farmers. Its pivotal role in sustaining over 70 million individuals in these areas underscores its importance (Fao, 2010). Plantain commands a robust demand in both rural and urban markets, playing a vital role in household food security and serving as a primary source of livelihood for millions of producers and vendors (Nkendah and Akyeampong, 2003). Cultivation spans the humid forest and derived,...
MOLECULAR PROFILING OF FUSARIUM SPECIES IN RICE SEEDS: BURKINA FASO PERSPECTIVE
Fatoumata Barry, Aminata Sidibé Diarra
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as a pivotal global food crop, significantly contributing to the sustenance and income of farming communities worldwide, with particular prominence in Africa. Burkina Faso, encompassing all of its 13 administrative regions, showcases notable rice cultivation, notably in regions like Hauts Bassins (16.97% of national production), East (15.02%), Centre-Est (14.82%), Boucle du Mouhoun (14.44%), and Cascades (10.91%) (DGSS, 2020). As Leslie and Summerell (2006) emphasize, Fusarium species afflict over 80% of the world's crop plants, including rice. Fungal diseases attributed to the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex, encompassing F. verticillioides, F. sacchari, F. subglutinans, F. proliferatum, F....
ASSESSING HUMAN HEALTH RISKS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SMOKED FISH FROM TOGO
Koffi Akakpo
The ancient art of smoking, a culinary tradition passed down through generations, has been an integral food preservation method across diverse regions globally. This technique, often coupled with processes like cooking, drying, and salting, not only enhances preservation through its dehydrating, bactericidal, and antioxidant attributes, but also imparts distinctive flavor and hue to food products. Fish smoking, a time-honored preservation practice, remains prevalent, particularly in developing nations where it plays a crucial role in sustaining traditional culinary heritage and ensuring food security
IMPACT OF INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID TREATMENT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP)
Amina Abubakar Ibrahim, Samuel Omoregie Irabor, Amina Ibrahim Musa
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) stands as a crucial food crop, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its rich protein content. In certain semi-humid tropic regions, cowpea contributes more than half of the protein in human diets. Its nutrient profile, with approximately 63% carbohydrates, 25% proteins, and low fat content, along with various vitamins and minerals, makes it a highly valuable dietary source. Both the seeds and leaves of cowpea are edible, offering an affordable and high-quality plant-based protein option. Despite its numerous benefits, efforts to enhance cowpea production have yet to meet the demand within sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the...