Perception of Job-Seeking Graduates in Oyo State Nigeria to Cashew Production

Cashew is an important and commercially grown cash crop in Oyo state and Nigeria generally for its apple and most importantly the nuts. Cashew cultivation in recent years has experienced a yield decline due to few cashew farmers involved and moribund cashew trees. This paper aims to understand the perception of job-seeking graduates in Oyo state to cashew production and proffer recommendations that will help in promoting their participation. Some selected areas were considered in Oyo state and data were collected using a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent, awareness on cashew tree and its importance, opinion of respondents to cashew farming, perception of respondents to money-making opportunities in cashew production and categorization of the respondents based on their level of perception. 270 respondents were considered in the survey. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Results showed that 45.5% of the unemployed graduates were between the ages of 30-34 years. The study also showed that 90.7% know the economic importance of cashew while 89.3% know cashew farming as profitable. Farming ventures interest 73.3% of the unemployed graduates while 66.7% would want to venture into cashew farming. 52.2% of the job-seeking graduates had a favourable level of perception about cashew production. The perception of the job-seeking graduates is satisfactory as the favourability of their level of perception to cashew production is a little above average. Feasible loans or grants should be made available and easily accessible to job-seeking graduates to promote their involvement in cashew farming.

Utilization of copper sulphide nanoparticles for the development of cashew tree gum/ chitin biopolymer blend nanocomposites

This work focused on the preparation of biopolymer blend nanocomposites from chitin (CT) and cashew tree gum (CTG) with different contents of copper sulphide nanoparticles (CuS) by solution casting method. The formation of nanocomposites have been characterized by FT infrared (FTIR), UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and impedance analysis. The characteristic absorption of nanoparticles in the FTIR spectra and shift in UV spectra of blend composites revealed the strong interaction between CuS nanoparticles and the polar segments of CT/CTG blend. With the increase in dosage of nanoparticles, a decrease in amorphous domains has been noted in the XRD scans. The uniform distribution of nanoparticles in CT/CTG network has been confirmed by the SEM analysis. HRTEM of the blend composites reveals the formation of hemispherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 15–30 nm. The glass transition temperature of blend composites increased with the addition of nano-CuS in the polymer matrix. Compared to the pure CT/CTG blend, the prepared nanocomposite showed higher thermal stability. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness of the blend nanocomposites were greatly enhanced by the reinforcement of CuS into the CT/CTG matrix. The AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites increased with the concentration of fillers and the magnitude of these properties was higher than the pure polymer blend.

Effet antifongique de deux extraits de plantes sur les agents pathogènes identifiés sur des fruits de l’anacardier (Anacardium occidentale L.) au Nord Cameroun

L’anacardier (Anacardium occidentale L.), importante culture de rente, est confrontée à la menace de nombreux pathogènes qui entravent sa productivité au Cameroun. Dès lors, cette étude se propose de déterminer le potentiel d’une lutte biologique à base d’extraits végétaux sur les champignons pathogènes identifiés sur des fruits prélevés dans le bassin de la Benoué. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, l’identification des agents pathogènes des fruits, des tests de pathogénicité et l’évaluation de l’effet antifongique in vitro et in vivo des extraits de piments et de neem ont été effectués. Les résultats ont montré que ces fruits abritent une diversité d’espèces fongiques dont les principales sont Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Oïdium anacardii, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus niger et Phytophthora sp. Les tests de pathogénicité ont produit les symptômes des maladies observées sur le terrain. L’huile de neem et les extrait de piment ont inhibé totalement la croissance de C. gloeosporioides, O. anacardii et A. niger aux doses respectives de 7,5% v/v et 75 mg/ml. Cependant, l'huile de neem s'est avérée plus efficace. Ces résultats représentent des sources d'information précieuses pour l’implémentation d'une stratégie de lutte intégrée contre les agents pathogènes de l’anacardier à l’origine de la baisse de sa productivité, affectant ainsi son potentiel économique. English Title: Antifungal effect of two plant extracts on pathogens identified on fruits of Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) in North Cameroon The Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.), an important cash crop, is challenged by the proliferation of pathogens that affect its productivity in Cameroon. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of a biological control based on plant extracts on pathogenic fungi identified on fruits collected in the Benoué basin. To achieve these objectives, identification of fruit pathogens, pathogenicity tests and evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antifungal effect of chilli and neem extracts were carried out. The results showed that these fruits harbour a diversity of fungal species, of which the main ones are Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Oïdium anacardii, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus niger and Phytophthora sp. The pathogenicity tests have generated the symptoms of the diseases observed in the field. Neem oil and chilli extracts completely inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides, O. anacardii and A. niger at doses of 7.5% v/v and 75 mg/ml respectively. However, neem oil proved to be more effective. These results represent valuable sources of information for the implementation of an integrated pest management strategy against cashew pathogens that impede the productivity of the tree, thereby affecting its economic potential.

Effect of Root Trainer on the Success of Grafting and the Survival Rate of Cashew Tree [Anacardium occidentale L.(Anacardiaceae)] in Field

Grafting is the most widespread vegetative propagation technique in cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.). Usually, cashew plant grafting are done on seedlings in plastic bags in nursery. In addition, to the low success rate, grafted plants have a low viability rate in field because main roots were broken during their transfer to the field. This study was carried out to evaluate the grafting success and survival rate of cashew seedlings planted in root trainer with different size (250 cc, 500 cc and 1000 cc). Each type of container was filled with two different growing substrates: coconut fiber and sawdust. Results showed that large size root trainers (1000 cc) have the highest percentage of graft success (96.67%). Rootstocks 45 days old presented the highest percentage of graft success in nursery (94.31%). The longest scions (12 cm) presented the minimum sprouting time (18.21 days). In the field, survival rate 100% of the grafted plants was recorded. In addition to the high survival rate ensured in field, root trainer is eco-friendly reusable and it light nature can prove a profitable technology for raising cashew elite plants regeneration.

Agromorphological Determinants Favoring the Spread of Anthracnose Disease in Cashew Agroforestry Farms in Côte d'Ivoire

Cashew cultivation faces several health problems. Among these problems, anthracnose causes extensive damage to twigs, leaves and fruits and causes loss of yield. The spread of this disease is thought to be determined by certain agromorphological features of the cashew tree. The objective of this study was to search for these agro-morphological determinants that influence the spread of anthracnose disease in agroforestry systems in Côte d'Ivoire. To achieve this objective, 30 cashew trees spread across 26 agroforestry cashew orchards in the Korhogo, Sinématiali and Boundiali departments were chosen and geolocated. The factor studied was the clone, consisting of 30 cashew genotypes, with 15 modalities. The collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis, correlation test, PCA and hierarchical ascending classification (CAH). The results showed that the wingspan, leaf area and size of cashew trees are determinants that promote the spread of anthracnose disease. Following this result, the CAH made it possible to screen the genotypes into three groups. These results could contribute to management of anthracnose disease in agroforestry, to enhance and intensify this cropping systems.

In vitro, In vivo and In situ, Effect of Mancozeb 80 WP on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc., Causative Agent of Anthracnose of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Chad and Cameroon

Aims: The aim of this work was to evaluate effect of Mancozeb 80 WP against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the agent responsible of anthracnose of cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.). Study Design: The experimental design was in completely randomized blocks with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed in Laboratory of Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maroua during six months. Field trial was carried out in Kelo, Chad during three months. Methodology: Isolates were obtained from diseased organs (leaves and fruits) from Kélo in Chad and Maroua in Cameroon. The concentrations used in the laboratory were C1 (5 mg/ml), C2 (0.5 mg/ml), C3 (0.05 mg/ml), C4 (0.005 mg/ml), C5 (0.0 mg/ml). Radial growth, sporulation, conidial germination and pathogenicity were used to characterize and evaluate the effect of Mancozeb on the isolates in vitro. The preventive test was performed on three-month-old plants previously treated with Mancozeb. The concentration of 5 g/l was applied to the field and the incidence and severity were used to calculate the AUIPC (Area Under Disease Incidence Progress Curve) and AUSiPC (Area Under Disease Severity Index Progress Curve) curves. Results: Mancozeb reduced radial growth of all isolates at concentrations C1 (5 mg/ml), C2 (0.5 mg/ml) and C3 (0.05 mg/ml). The percentages of inhibition ranged from 50 to 100%. Mancozeb 80 WP completely (100%) inhibited the germination of C. gloeosporioides conidia in vitro. Mancozeb has protected cashew plants in vivo at the concentration C1 (5 mg/ml). AUIPC and AUSiPC were higher on control plants and lower on Mancozeb-treated plants. Conclusion: Mancozeb 80 WP may be associated in integrated pest management strategy against anthracnose.

Pengaruh berbagai Asal Benih Induk dan Media Tanam terhadap Pertumbuhan Jambu Mete

<p>Common problems in cashew tree development are low plant productivity caused by the use of unqualified seeds and limited knowledge of seed handling. This research was aimed to study the role of the mother tree on the growth of cashew seeds and study the seedling and growth of cashew trees in several planting media. The method used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consisting of two treatment factors and 4 replications. The first factor was the planting medium consists of 4 types: soil; soil: manure (2: 1); husk charcoal: manure (2: 1); soil: charcoal husk: manure (1: 1: 1). While the second factor was the origin of the seeds from the parent tree with fruit colors red, green, yellow, pink. The results showed that the planting soil medium was very significantly affected by increasing plant growth, namely plant height, number, and leaf area. The interaction between media and seed origin was not significantly affected plant growth. The best seed growth was found on soil media, plant height reaches 31.750 cm, number of leaves with 19 leaves, with an area of 48.437 cm².</p>