African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-006, October, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of shade on growth, production and quality of coffee (COFFEA  ARABICA) in Ethiopia

Adugna D. Bote^1,2 and Paul C. Struik²

¹Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.

²Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Accepted 15 March, 2019

Abstract

The research work was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade on growth and production of coffee plants. To achieve this, growth and productivity of coffee plants growing under shade trees were compared with those of coffee plants growing under direct sun light. Different physiological, environmental and quality parameters were assessed for both treatments. Shade trees protected coffee plants against adverse environmental stresses such as high soil temperatures and low relative humidity. Shade, however, also triggered differences in physiological behaviour of the coffee plants, such as improved photosynthesis and increased leaf area index, resulting in better performance than possible in direct sun light. Consequently, coffee plants grown under shade trees produced larger and heavier fruits with better bean quality than those grown in direct sun light. Moreover, shaded plants had greater biochemical and physiological potential for high dry matter production which would help them to maintain high coffee yields in the long term. If growing coffee under shade trees would allow other sources of income such as fruits, fuel wood and timber to be produced, it could be socially more acceptable, economically more viable and environmentally more sustainable. Since in Ethiopia people are moving towards replacing coffee by ‘chat’ and/or growing coffee in an open sun, we support the recommendations of growing coffee in the shade and suggest that the future research should be directed toward deterring the development of fungal diseases and increase of coffee yields under shaded conditions.

Key words: Ethiopia, coffee, photosynthesis, shade, bean quality.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-004, September, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of spacing and organics on plant nutrient uptake of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Sivakumar V.¹* and Ponnusami V.²

¹Agricultural research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar – 638451, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India.

²Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam - 625 604, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Accepted 19 April, 2019

Abstract

Investigations were carried out at the Horticultural College and Research Institute to study the effect of spacing and bio-stimulants on the plant nutrient uptake of Solanum nigrum. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four levels of spacing (M1 – 30 × 30 cm, M2 – 45 × 45 cm, M3 – 60 × 30 cm and M4 – 60 × 45 cm) and nine bio-stimulants/organics (S1– Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), S2 – control, S3 – panchagavya 2%, S4 – panchagavya 3%, S5 – moringa leaf extract 2%, S6 – moringa leaf extract 4%, S7 – humic acid, S8 – cytozyme 1% and S9 – vermicompost). Observations on nutrient uptake found that, the treatment closer spacing + RDF (M1S1) registered higher nitrogen uptake (223.83 kg ha-1) and phosphorous uptake (22.02 kg ha-1) followed by closer spacing + panchagavya 3% spray (M1S4) (202.64 kg ha-1) (Nitrogen uptake - 202.64 kg ha-1 and Phosphorous uptake -20.03 kg ha-1). Regarding the potassium uptake the treatment wider spacing + RDF (M4S1) combination recorded the highest K uptake (252.83 kg ha-1) followed by the treatment wider spacing + humic acid combination (M4S7) (227.14 kg ha-1).

Key words: Solanum nigrum, spacing, organics, plant nutrient uptake.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (8), pp. 001-011, August, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Woody plant species used in urban forestry in West Africa: Case study in Lomé, capital town of Togo

Radji Raoufou*, Kokou Kouami and Akpagana Koffi

Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, BP 1515 Lomé - Togo.

Accepted 13 July, 2019

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted on the flora of Togo. However, none of them is devoted to the ornamental flora horticulture. This survey aims to establish an inventory of the woody plant species in urban forests of Lomé, the capital town of Togo. It covers the trees planted along the avenues, in the gardens, courtyards, shady trees and trees used as fences for houses or trees at the seaside. In total, 297 plant species belong to 141 genera and 48 families were recorded. They are dominated by 79% of dicotyledonous, 13% of monocotyledonous and 8% of gymnosperms. Families that are best represented in terms of species are those of the Euphorbiaceae, Arecaceae and Acanthaceae. Alien species represent 69% and African species represent 31% out of which 6% are from Togo. According to the current threatening of the natural habitat by human activities, African native plant species could be more useful for ornamental purposes than exotic plants.

Key words: Ornamental horticulture, plant flora, green areas, valorisation, native flora.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (7), pp. 001-006, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A survey of the economically valued forest trees and shrubs at the proposed site for an airport in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

O. M. Agbogidi

Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +2347038679939, +2348056306219.

Accepted 19 March, 2019

Abstract

This study assessed the economically valued forest trees and shrubs at the proposed site for an airport in Asaba, Delta State with a view to noting them before the commencement of work in the area. 2520 × 20 m quadrants were laid randomly along the five 1 km line transect and assessed accordingly. Thirty tree species producing various economically valued products were assessed and 10 out of the 33 were observed to be rare while 23 were abundant. Fifteen species of shrubs were assessed out of which, 8 were identified as abundant and rare (3). Products collected from these plants have varying use categories as leafy vegetables, edible and medicinal fruits, leaves, seeds, barks, fodder, poles, timber, stakes and chewing sticks. The study established that over exploitation, exploration and conversion of forest ecosystems in the area has brought about decimation of biodiversity as well as extinction of many valuable plant and animal species. It is strongly recommended that domestication of indigenous tree and shrub species should be encouraged and supported. Conservation efforts, through the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, sacred grooves, sanctuaries, rare breed centers, game banks and on-site gene banks should be supported to enhance sustainability.

Key words: Forest trees, shrubs, proposed site, airport, Asaba, Delta State.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Germination, dry matter yield and nutritive value of Stylosanthes guianensis in the Sambisa Game Reserve, Borno State, Nigeria

Y. P. Mbaya, A. Usman* and N. Yekini

Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri P. M. B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Accepted 17 September, 2018

Abstract

The study is on the introduction of perennial pasture crop Stylosanthes guianensis (Stylo) into the Sambisa Game Reserve in Borno State, Nigeria. Stylo is a tropical herbaceous legume primarily used as a pasture crop for humid tropical regions. The objectives were to observe the growth and establishment of stylo in the game reserve of Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria; examining the emergence rates using some pre germination treatments, determine the yield and the nutritive value of herbage. Viability of 65% was obtained although the emergence was highest when sulphuric acid was used as pre germination treatment. There was no significant difference between the treatments (P > 0.05). A yield of 308 kg DM/ha was obtained. The sample herbage for determination of yield and chemical composition were determined to be 93.0% DM; 5.95% CP; 3.0% EE; 38.0% CF and 5.0% ash. The cultivation of stylo is therefore, recommended in game reserves for increased forage quality and quantity to herbivorous game animals as a conservation strategy.

Key words: Sudan savanna, stylo, germination, dry matter yield and nutritive value.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (5), pp. 001-006, May, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Forest stakeholder’s awareness of reduced impact logging (RIL) in Nigeria and Cameroon

A. L. Kehinde, J. A. Akande and E. Ntabe

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, P. M. B. 284, Iwo Osun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Soil, Crop and Environmental Management, P. M. B. 284, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

³Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang Cameroon.

Accepted 21 September, 2018

Abstract

Damage associated with conventional logging practices is inconsistent with sustainable forest management. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) model code of forest harvest, otherwise described as Reduced Impact Logging has therefore been advanced to reduce negative impacts on residual vegetation, soils and other environmental attributes. This study investigated the awareness rating of forest stakeholders on reduced impact logging (RIL) in Nigeria and Cameroon. Structured questionnaire and interview schedules were used to obtain information from 134 and 117 randomly selected stakeholders in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively. In Nigeria, results showed that environmentalists and non-govermental organizations have high level awarenes of RIL; the Federal and State governments, also forestry institutions have medium level awareness; while logging contractors, fellers, local forest users, traditional rulers, youth, and security agents have low awareness of RIL. In Cameroon, only the rural dwellers or resident forest users have low awareness of RIL. The timber harvest crew have medium level awareness while all other identified stakeholders showed high wareness. In the two countries, all the stakeholders showed positive leaning towards accepting RIL for its advantageous social impact technological content, mode of standard enforcement and environmental impacts.

Key words: Forest stakeholders, reduced impact logging, environmental education.