Evaluation of Four Anthropogenic Activity Impacts on Heavy Metal Quality of the Kumba River in the South West Region of Cameroon

Anthropogenic activities have contributed to pollution of water bodies through deposition of diverse pollutants amongst which are heavy metals. These pollutants, which at times are above the maximum concentration levels recommended, are detrimental to the quality of the water, soil and crops (plant) with subsequent human health risks. The objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts of human-based activities on the heavy metal properties of surface water with focus on the Kumba River basin. Field observations, interviews, field measurements and laboratory analyses of different water samples enabled us to collect the different data. The results show four main human-based activities within the river basin (agriculture, livestock production, domestic waste disposal and carwash activities) that pollute surface water. Approximately 20.61 tons of nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural activities, 156.48 tons of animal wastes, 2517.5 tons of domestic wastes and 1.52 tons of detergent from carwash activities were deposited into the river each year. A highly significant difference at 1% was observed between the upstream and downstream heavy metal loads in four of the five heavy metals tested except for copper that was not significant. Lead concentrations were highest in all the activities with an average of 2.4 mg∙L−1 representing 57.81%, followed by zinc with 1.596 mg∙L−1 (38.45%) and manganese with 0.155 mg∙L−1 (3.74%) for the different anthropogenic activities thus indicating that these activities highly lead to pollution of the Kumba River water. The level of zinc and manganese was significantly influenced at ρ 005 by anthropogenic activities though generally the variations were in the order: carwash (3.196 mg∙L−1) < domestic waste disposal (3.347 mg∙L−1) < agriculture (4.172 mg∙L−1) < livestock (4.886 mg∙L−1) respectively and leading to a total of 14.04 tons of heavy metal pollutants deposited each day.

Effect of No Tillage and Conventional Tillage on Wheat Grain Yield Variability: A Review

Conservation Agriculture(CA)covers more than 205 million hectares in the world.This made it possible to face and mitigate the challenges of climate change,reducing soil erosion and providing multiple ecosystem services.The first elementary factor influenced is the yield evaluation.It has a direct effect on farmers’choices for sustainable production.The present article records a review focused on wheat yield average positive change compared between conventional tillage(CT)and no tillage(NT)systems.The international database collected showed that NT is adaptable everywhere.The results of wheat yield differentiation showed the influence of crop rotation depending on stations located in different climatic zones.In more than 40 years of research,specialists have succeeded in demonstrating the importance of crop productivity like wheat.The whole integrates also experimentations where the initiation starts more than ten years.

Mobility of Major and Trace Elements during the Bauxitization Processes in Ngaoundal Area (Adamawa Cameroon): Implication on Mining Perspectives

This study was focused to assess major and trace elements in bauxitic duricrusts from Ngaoundal and its surroundings in order to establish their mining interest. To this end, fieldworks, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were carried out. Four facies of duricrust were identified and characterized from the summit to the top of the slope of the Ngaoundal mountain: scoriaceous, pisolitic, nodular and massive. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses performed on 16 samples, revealed a significant concentration of Al2O3 mainly in the scoriaceous facies (over 45% in grade), moderate in Fe2O3 (averaging 23.69%) and SiO2 (averaging 21.7%). Trace elements were generally low, excluding Cr (421 ppm on average), Zr (327 ppm on average and V (213 ppm on average). In addition, the limited quantities of alkalis (Na2O, K2O) and alkaline earths metals (MgO, CaO) coupled with the very high values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mineralogical Index of Alteration (MIA), (more than 99%) attest to the intense weathering of the studied materials. Allitization and monosiallitization constituted the crystallochemical phenomena that have led to the development of bauxitic minerals. More than 90% of gibbsite in scoriaceous facies, 52.21% - 76.01% of kaolinite in pisolitic facies and more than 40% of hematite in nodular facies were quantified. The relationships between the constitutive components indicated their interdependency during the bauxitization phenomenon. The mineralogical and geochemical properties highlighted the mining interest of the studied duricrusts to be valorized.

Prevalence and Distribution of Tick-Borne Hemoparasites in Cattle from the Noun and Ndé Divisions of the West Region, Cameroon

Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.

Agro-Morphology Evaluation and Gluten Content Estimation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Western Highland of Cameroon

Agriculture is amongst the major occupations in Cameroon where over 70% of citizens are involved and it contributes enormously to the economy of the country. Wheat is one of the most consumed cereals in Cameroon with very high importation rate. However, the adoption of wheat production in the cropping system could have the potential to pull farmers out of poverty. It is essential in human foods and animal feeds. This study aims to investigate on the adaptability of wheat varieties based on growth traits and yield as well as to estimate the gluten content in each of the tested variety in the North-West region. Eight wheat varieties (five from CIMMYT, two from IRAD and one local variety) were evaluated in a factorial design with two types of fertilization (organic and inorganic), in two site (Santa and UBa farm) and five environments. Agro-morphological data were collected and were subjected to the analysis of variance using R software. The gluten content related to the baking quality of wheat flour was estimated per tested variety. Highly significant differences were observed among varieties, sites, environment and fertilization for all parameters estimated. The general mean of all the traits evaluated was significantly higher when using organic fertilizer than inorganic, meaning that the application of organic fertilizer provides better performance of wheat growth. The elevated number of tillers found in Santa could inform on the high level of soil fertility for wheat production in that area. Environment 1 was found to be the best follow by environment 3 and 5. IRAD I gave the highest yield followed by Alexander Wonder and IRAD II. 11SATYND and 29SAWYT were promising introduced varieties in term of grain weight when using organic fertilization. Wet and dry gluten yield varied from 3.8 (ALEXANDER Wonder) to 5.5 (IRAD I) and from 3.7 (IRAD II) to 7.9 (IRAD I) respectively. All the introduced wheat varieties expressed low wet and dry gluten yield as compare to the check Amigo. IRAD I was the best variety to be produced for industrial purposes taken into account the high level of gluten content. IRAD I, 42ESWYTB and IRAD II were found to have their moisture content percentage of flour below that of the check (Amigo) and therefore could be recommended for manufactured foods.

Farmers’ Knowledge and Awareness towards the Use of Agrochemicals in Vegetable Cultivation, Fako Cameroon

Agrochemicals are contemporary, omnipresent tool used in vegetable cultivation. Farmers’ knowledge and awareness of the proper usage of agrochemicals are critical for mitigating the negative effects on human health. This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the usage knowledge, risk awareness of toxicological and chemical classes, proper handling and use practices for agrochemicals homologated for use in vegetable farming, and the occurrence of health-related symptoms as a result of exposure among these farmers. The study included 93 vegetable growers from agricultural hotspot towns in Fako, southwest Cameroon. The field study, ran from November 2021 to December 2023, using a questionnaire to collect information on farmers demographic, and their knowledge of pesticide classes, and the related risk of associated with the handling of agrochemicals. Results show that all vegetable farmers, particularly those engaged in agribusiness, employ pesticide inputs to maximize production. Six pesticides, two fertilizer types, and one unknown substance were identified. While 23 active compounds were found, the most utilized were abamectin, emamectin (10.46%), dimethoate (9.30%,) and ethoprophos (8.13%). Two active chemicals, dimethoate and methalaxyl, are illegal yet remain in circulation. Toxicological classes I and II, with the greatest harmful effect on human health, were the most commonly utilized (64.27%). Thirty-nine percent of farmers never use personal protection equipment when working with agrochemicals, demonstrating a significant gap in knowledge and awareness of agrochemicals and their various applications and handling procedures in the field. The government should implement an intensive specialized educational program for on-field farmers with incentives in order to promote sustainable agriculture methods that ensure environmental and human safety.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Flours from Local Cereals and Powder from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Leaves Varieties Cultivated in the Northern-Cameroon in Order to Supplement Infant Flours

The aim of the present study was to investigate on the inventory and determination of the nutritional value of cereals flour and cassava leaves powder in order to analyse their use in the production of infant flour. In this paper, a A survey to identify the cereals used in the preparation of infant porridge in the Northern Cameroon was done by using 447 mothers having children between 06 and 59 months from areas (Gbakoungue, Sassa-Mbersi, Sanguere-Ngal and Kotkong-Wouldata) with high rate on malnourished children. Flour was prepared from the most preponderant cereals and Cassava leaves powder from varieties identified by the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research (CRRA) of Wakwa and local population. Flour and powder samples obtained were subjected to chemical composition analysis. Parameters analysed were crude proteins, total carbohydrates, ash, total fats, total phenols, total tannins, total carotenoids, vitamin C or cyanide. Also Iron, calcium and zinc were determined. The results revealed that white maize (62%) was the main cereal used in the preparation of infant porridge followed respectively by red sorghum, white rice and muskwari. Ten cassava varieties were identified: three (03) by CRRA (TME, 96/1/14 and IRAD 4115) and seven (south, gambada, sweet, Benin, six months, M. glaziovii and grouna) by local population. Amongst cereals flour, those from white maize indicated high protein (10.09%), carbohydrates (84.46%) and total fat (7.46%) contents. The powder from 96/14/14 cassava variety showed high amount of iron (11.98 mg/100g), calcium (751.02 g/100g) and low cyanide content (1.21 ppm) amongst all the cassava leaves powder samples. The supplementation of white maize flour by cassava leaves powder from 96/14/14 variety could therefore be recommended for the preparation of infant flours.

Interactive effects of microplastics and typical pollutants on the soilplant system:a mini-review

Although research on microplastics(MPs)interactions with other soil pollutants is increasingly becoming available,most studies do not consider risks to soil fertility or plant growth.This review aims:1)to summarize the results of current studies on interactions between MPs,heavy metals,and organic pollutants;and 2)subsequently evaluate risks to the soil-plant nexus.Available-literature shows that polypropylene,polyethylene and polylactic acid increase cadmium(Cd)bioavailability and subsequently reduce root growth.Such effects are not evident in sandy or clay soils due to the formation of CdCO3 and iron-oxide by altered bacterial communities that stabilize Cd contamination.Chronic instead of short-term exposure to polystyrene in copper(Cu)-polluted soils decreases crop yield.With coexistence of MPs and lead(Pb)in soil,the uptake of Pb in crops increases,causing altered malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activities.Moreover,co-toxicity of polystyrene or polytetrafluoroethylene with arsenic(As)decreases root biomass,photosynthesis rate and the chlorophyll-a content.In alkaline soil,polyvinyl-chloride could decrease the bioavailability of MeHg due to changes in the abundance of Proteobacteria,and Firmicutes.We also found strong interactions between MPs and organic pollutants.Polystyrene decreases negative impacts of sulfamethazine on bacterial diversity,and structure in soil.Polyethylene,polyvinyl-chloride and polystyrene have a strong adsorption capacity for 17β-estradiol.This implies that 17β-estradiol toxicity can be reduced by these MPs.At low concentrations,polyethylene,polypropylene,and polystyrene have low affinity to diazepam.In conclusion,serious ecological risks are associated with MPs and other pollutants'interactions to soil-plant system.

Research on the Distant Hybrids of Wheat Obtained via Low-Energy Ion-Beam Implantation

The whole DNA of soybean was implanted into four varieties of wheat of Zhongyu 5, Huaiyin 9628, Wenyou 1, Jimai 5 respectively via ion-beam mediation. There were 5 plants obtained whose protein content was higher than 18.5 %, the highest one was 21.44 %. There were 3 plants obtained whose protein content was lower than 11.5%, the lowest one was 10.96%. We can see that the whole DNA of soybean transformed into wheat via ion beam implantation can induce the increase in wheat protein content dramatically. The result also shows that the transformation efficiency of different gene types of wheat receptor varies greatly that the implanting time has a certain effect on the efficiency of transformation.

A Review of Main Factors Involved in the Maturation of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Fruit Bunches

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a diploid perennial plant of the Arecaceae family. It is the most important plant cultivated for oil production. To ensure this production, certain optimal conditions are required: temperature, sunshine, rainfall, etc. The oil palm ensures its survival through the fruits borne on bunches located at the axis of the 17th to 20th leaves from the central stem. From pollination to the maturity of a bunch it takes about 4.5 to 6 months. Several events occur during this period: seed enlargement, weight increase, colour change, etc., but also important physiological changes: synthesis of some pigments (anthocyanin), increase in oil content correlated with the decrease in water content, etc. All of these constitute factors that can provide a better understanding of the biology of the seed. The aim of this work was to review some of the important parameters involved in the development and maturation of oil palm fruit bunches. These factors are classified into physiological, biochemical as well as environmental. The physiological parameters are color, appearance of embryo, seed weight and fruit detachment from bunches;Biochemical parameters include water content, oil content, carbohydrate, protein, mineral contents and lipase activity while temperature is the main environmental factor that affects fruit maturation. Thorough research has not yet been done at the different stages of maturation and ripening, thus a deep look into this may open up new avenues for research on early germinated oil palm seed production prior to seed dormancy.

Antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses in Nigeria

Mosquito-borne infections are of global health concern because of their rapid spread and upsurge,which creates a risk for coinfections.chikungunya virus(CHIKV),an arbovirus disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti or A.albopictus,and malaria,a parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles gambiae,are prevalent in Nigeria and neighbouring countries,but their burden and possible coinfections are poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses(ZIKV)in three regions of Nigeria.A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted on 871 participants.Samples were collected from outpatients by simple random sampling.Analyses of the samples were performed using recomLine Tropical Fever for the presence of antibody serological marker IgG immunoblot with CHIKV VLP(virus like particle),ZIKV NS1 and ZIKV Equad according to manufacturers’instructions and malaria RDT for malaria parasite.There was a significantly higher antibody seropositivity against CHIKV in the central region than in the northern and southern regions(69.5%,291/419),while ZIKV-seropositivity(22.4%,34/152)and CHIKV-ZIKV co-circulating antibody seropositivity(17.8%,27/152)were notably higher in the southern region than in the central and northern regions.This investigation revealed an unexpectedly high antibody seropositivity and concealed endemicity of CHIKV and ZIKV in three Nigerian regions.The seropositivity of detectable antibodies differed among the three geographical locations.

Impact of Three Isolates of Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. Et M.A Curt.), a Pathogen of Late Leaf Spot, on Defoliation and Yield in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Controlled Conditions

Late leaf spot caused by Cercosporidium personatum is one of the most widespread groundnut leaf diseases. Along with early leaf spot and rust, it is one of the main fungal diseases hampering groundnut production worldwide. Late leaf spot accounts for significant yield losses throughout the world where groundnuts are grown. This reduction in yield caused by the disease could result in yield losses of between 50% and 70%. In Burkina Faso, the disease is present throughout the country, with incidence varying according to region and season. Could the variability in the incidence of the disease be linked to the nature of the isolates or to the conditions from each agro-ecological zone? In this study, the aim was to assess the capacity of three isolates from three agroclimatic zones of the country to defoliate and reduce groundnut yield. To this end, three isolates of Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. Et M.A Curt.) were collected in these zones and evaluated on three contrasting groundnut varieties. A split-splot design was used for the experiment. Isolates were prepared from samples collected in farmers’ fields. After incubation in the laboratory, leaf spots showing good sporulation were scraped off with a scalpel after immersing the leaves in distilled water. Inoculations were carried out under controlled environment. After inoculation with the isolate, the percentage of defoliation and the reduction in yield of these varieties were then evaluated. Inoculation was carried out from the 30th day after sowing with Cercosporidium personatum spore suspensions at 105 spores/ml. The study showed that the percentage of defoliation (P = 0.0001) and the reduction in yield (P = 0.0001) were significant. The study revealed that, whatever the variety, isolate I3TF from the Upper Basins region in the South Sudanese zone caused the greatest defoliation and the greatest reduction in yield. The variety TS32-1, regardless of the isolate used for the treatment, recorded the best yield. The variety PC79-79, regardless of the isolate used for the treatment, recorded the lowest percentage of defoliation. The highest defoliation recorded under the effect of the isolates was of the order of 72.20%;the highest yield reduction was of the order of 87.20% compared with the water control.

Socio-Economic and Technical Characteristics of Beef Cattle Breeding in Ndé Division, West Region of Cameroon

Insight is here provided into the socio-economic and technical characteristics of cattle production in the Ndé Division (West Cameroon region). Using a semi-structured questionnaire, information on the activity was assessed following onsite visits and interviewing breeders. Through a random sampling scheme, 110 breeders in the four subdivisions of the Ndé Division were shadowed. The majority (98.18%) of breeders were men aged 20 to 40 and married (91.82%). They belong to the Mbororo ethnic group, having cumulated more than 10 years in the activity. Most respondents (50.91%) did not attend school and earn their living mainly from livestock (78.18%). Cattle were raised for sale and to feed the breeder’s family (77.27%). The main mode of acquisition of animals was through inheritance (81.82%). The cattle breeds were mostly made up of white Fulani (70%), living in private farms using a combination of stake and barbed wires (67.27%) as fences. The combination of natural fodder and cooking salt was used by most breeders (59.09%) as a daily ration. Reproduction was by natural mating (97.07%). Parasites (internal and external) and foot-and-mouth disease were the main diseases reported by the majority of farmers. Self-treatment (50%) was the main prophylactic measure taken by farmers in case of disease symptoms. Cattle herders faced several challenges, such as insufficient pasture (67.27%), agro-pastoral conflicts (76.36%) and diseases (90.91%). Cattle breeding was rather a widespread activity with no particular restriction.

Agriculture and Soil Management in the Context of Sustainable Development in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

The Sudanian-Sahelian zone of the Far-North Cameroon faces an extreme climate challenge resulting in increased vulnerability to erosion, soil degradation, and the effects of climate change, impacting soil fertility and agricultural yields. The objective of this study was to analyze agricultural practices, challenges related to climate change and soil degradation, as well as the solutions adopted by farmers to address these issues. To achieve this, 600 farmers from the six departments of the region were interviewed. The results highlight the significant impact of climatic conditions on soil health, agricultural activities, and food security. Farmers identified various indicators of soil degradation, including agricultural yields, bioindicator plants, plant growth, soil fauna, and root density. The main causes of soil degradation are associated with practices such as deforestation, intensive agriculture, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, overgrazing, and the effects of climate change. The impacts of this degradation are multiple, including soil fertility loss, reduced agricultural yields, deforestation, reduced biodiversity, income loss, water resource pollution, and food insecurity. In response to these challenges, farmers have adopted sustainable soil management practices, including crop rotation, intercropping, fallowing, the use of organic fertilizers, and the adoption of conservation agriculture. To effectively address these challenges, concerted collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, and government authorities is imperative to develop sustainable and effective solutions against soil degradation in the region.

Effects of Different Levels of Garlic Powder Incorporated in the Feed Enriched with Stylosanthes guianensis on Reproduction and Pre-Weaning Growth Performances of Cavies (Cavia porcellus)

In order to increase the productivity of the local cavies as a meat animal, a study was carried out between November 2021 and March 2022 at the Research and Experimental Farm, Animal Nutrition and Production Research Unit of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FAAS) and the Microbiology and Anti-Microbial Research Unite of the University of Dschang on 72 cavies aged between 4 and 5 months and weighing an average of 450 ± 50 g produced on the farm, including 60 females and 12 males. The females were distributed according to a completely randomized factorial design in twelve (12) rearing boxes numbered G1 to G12, with 15 females per group distributed in 03 boxes and receiving iso-nitrogenated experimental diet (18% protein) R0 enriched with 20% of Stylosanthes guianensis (0% garlic powder), R0.25 (0.25% garlic powder), R0.50 (0.50% garlic powder) and R0.75 (0.75% garlic powder). Females were identified by numbered ear tags and mated with a sex ratio of 5 females for 1 male. Drinking water enriched with vitamin C (01 tablet of 240 mg in 1.5 liters of water) was served ad libitum and renewed daily. The males were removed after 31 days. A form was established to record the weight of each pregnant female, any abortions during gestation, the date of parturition and the date of birth of each newborn, as well as the number of live-born or stillborn pups. After parturition, the weights of female and newborn cavies were recorded weekly until the 3rd week. The number of cavies that died before weaning and the number of live weaned cavies were also recorded. Reproductive performance significantly increased (p 0.05) fertility rate and net fertility rate, litter size, birth viability rate, and pre-weaning viability rate with rations containing garlic powder, compared to the control ration, especially with the R0.50 ration. In addition, birth mortality and pre-weaning mortality were significantly lower (p 0.05) with rations containing the additive, compared to those of the control ration (R0). However, the R0.50 ration showed the lowest rates, followed by the R0.25 ration, and finally the R0.75 ration. Weight development of young cavies increased with all rations but was more marked with the R0.50 ration. Only total weight gain (TG) and average daily weight gain (ADG) in the pre-weaning phase were significantly increased (p < 0.05) with rations R0.25 and R0.50.

Plant Biodiversity and Structure of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora var. robusta) Agroforests in Cameroon

Agroforests are man-made ecosystems in which crops are associated with a main perennial species like Robusta Coffee Agroforests (RCAs), which is counted among the main modes of perennial crops production in Cameroon. Despite the rich ecosystem services provided, the diversity of Associated Species (AS) found in these RCAs and the structure of the landscapes they form remain little known in Cameroon. The current study aimed to inventory AS and characterize the structure of RCAs in four sites (Ayos, Malantouen, Melong and Nkongsamba) belonging to three robusta coffee production basins in Cameroon. A systematic inventory with dendrometric measurements of the wood AS and coffee trees was carried out on 120 one-hectare plot unit, i.e. 30 plots per site. The results showed that 102 AS belonging to 83 genera and 41 families were identified in these RCAs. The RCAs of Ayos in the dense rainforest zone with bimodal rainfall pattern were the most diverse with 71 species, followed by those of Melong and Nkongsamba with respectively 39 and 33 species respectively in the dense rainforest zone with monomodal rainfall pattern, and Malantouen with 33 species in the high savannahs of the west. Structurally, average coffee tree and AS densities founded ranged from 1208 - 1456 plants/ha and 71 - 214 stems/ha and those of basal area from 7.29 - 17.40 m2/ha for coffee trees and 7.97 - 16.14 m2/ha for AS in function of site. Basis on the vertical stratification, the proportion of the 3 - 6 m stratum, which is mainly represented by introduced AS, varied from 38% - 62% depending on the site. The results of this study showed that RCAs contribute to the conservation of plant biodiversity, given the specific richness identified in these ecosystems.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation of Some Morphological and Yield Components Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Collections

The study was conducted with the main objective to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and clustering pattern exploration of morphological and yield related traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) collections in the bimodal rainfall agroecological zone of Cameroon using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained on morphological and yield traits were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the viability rate of the collections varied from 77.78% to 96.55% respectively for the Maffo and Desiree collections, while the greatest number of tubers per plant varied from 4 to 18 respectively for Synergie and Desiree. The emergence rate varies from 60% to 1.66% respectively for Maffo et Doza collections. However, Desiree presents the highest TL (96.55) while Maffo shows the lowest value (77.78%). The yield per hectare varied from 1.14 to 9.3 t/h for Maffo and Doza respectively. For all the characteristics observed, Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) were higher than Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) suggesting the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The highest GCV and PCV 47.55 and 58.94 respectively were observed for Diameter at the collar (DC). Most of the traits showed high GAM (>20%)) except Average Tuber Length (ATL) with a moderate value (19.8). In terms of vegetative development, the Desiree variety showed the highest performance. Based on the growth and yield results, Doza seems to be the most recommendable crop in the study area.

Evaluation of Different Substrates Compositions for Acclimatization of Tissue Culture Taro Plantlets in a Propagator

Taro is cultivated in most Regions of Cameroon and it is affected by taro leaf blight disease since 2010 which has decreased its production. Lack of disease-free planting materials has been a main problem to farmers. This study was carried out at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Yaounde and Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Bambui to assess different substrates for acclimatization of tissue culture taro plantlets in apropagator. No information is available on acclimatization of Cameroonian taro plantlets in different substrates. Taro plantlets from tissue culture were acclimatised in a propagator for six weeks under different substrates, the first substrate consisted of sterile three parts of soil and one part of river sand mixed together (3:1), the second substrate consisted of sterile two parts of soil and two parts of river sand mixed together (2:2), the third substrate consisted of sterile two parts of soil, one part of rice husk and one part of river sand mixed together (2:1:1) and the fourth substrate consisted of sterile one part of soil and three parts of river sand mixed together (1:3). After acclimatisation of the different taroplantlets (Dark green petiole with small leaves (L1), Red petiole with small leaves (L2), Light green petiole with large leaves (L3) and Light green petiole with small leaves (L4) in these four substrates, it was observed that the best growth rate of plant was recorded on substrate sand + soil (1:3). The other substrates showed moderate growth of plants. Substrate sand + soil (1:3) can be recommended for acclimatization of Cameroonian taro plantlets.

Assessment of Household Food Security and Its Determinants in Minjar Shenkora and Ada’a woredas of Central Ethiopia

Food security issues become one of the critical concerns and top priority areas for Ethiopia.This study analyzed rural households’food security status and its determinants in Minjar Shenkora woreda of Amhara Regional State and Ada’a woreda of Oromia Regional State.Data were collected from 240 randomly selected rural farm households.The study employed both descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model to estimate the status and determinants of households’food security,respectively.The findings indicated that the average dietary energy available for food secured households was 2,860.6 kilo calorie per day while 1,891.7 kilo calorie per day for the insecure group.According to the findings of the binary logit model,factors such as education level,farm size,livestock ownership,cooperatives membership,off-farm income and credit access have positive and significant effects on household food security.While household size has a negative and significant effect on household food security.The results recommend that interventions should target at improving rural financial services and off-farm activities that increase households’income and focusing on those most significant variables when attempting to enhance household food security.

Influence of Aluminum and Cadmium Stresses on Mineral Nutrition and Root Exudates in Two Barley Cultivars

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effect of aluminum （Al） and cadmium （Cd） on Al and mineral nutrient contents in plants and Al-induced organic acid exudation in two barley varieties with different Al tolerance. Al- sensitive cv. Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Al content and accumulation in plants than Al-tolerant cv. Gebeina, especially in roots, when subjected to low pH （4.0） and Al treatments （100 μmol L^-1 Al and 100 μmol L^-1 Al ＋1.0 μmol L^-1 Cd）. Cd addition increased Al content in plants exposed to Al stress. Both low pH and Al treatments caused marked reduction in Ca and Mg contents in all plant parts, P and K contents in the shoots and leaves, Fe, Zn and Mo contents in the leaves, Zn and B contents in the shoots, and Mn contents both in the roots and leaves. Moreover, changes in nutrient concentrations were greater in the plants exposed to both Al and Cd than in those exposed only to Al treatment. A dramatic enhancement of malate, citrate, and succinate was found in the plants exposed to 100 μmol L^-1 Al relative to the control, and the Al-tolerant cultivar had a considerable higher exudation of these organic acids than the Al-sensitive one, indicating that Al-induced enhancement of these organic acids is very likely to be associated with Al tolerance.