Good practice in post-harvest operations depends on the contamination of groundnuts (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em>) by mycotoxins. The objective of this study is to identify farmers’ practices that pose a ris...Good practice in post-harvest operations depends on the contamination of groundnuts (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em>) by mycotoxins. The objective of this study is to identify farmers’ practices that pose a risk to the post-harvest preservation of the fruits of <em>Arachis hypogaea</em> in the province of Mayo Kebbi Ouest. Data collection was carried out using a farmer survey sheet based on a questionnaire on drying and storage techniques and losses related to groundnut harvesting. The study revealed that the fruits of<em> Arachis hypogaea </em>are dried on the fields and stored in shells or pods in polyethylene bags. The latter can be kept for up to 6 months in the shop (44%), in the attic (25.3%), in living quarters (18.7%) and both in the attic and in houses (12%). The level of post-harvest losses is due on the one hand to post-harvest diseases (60%) and the presence of insects on the crops (32%) and on the other hand to the germination of seeds (8%) after the harvest due to heavy rains. This loss on a scale of 2% to 10% is 74.7% and 10% to 50% is 25.3%. Drying and storage techniques in these localities represent a risk of mycotoxin contamination of groundnuts. Raising farmers’ awareness of harvest management techniques to preserve the sanitary quality of groundnuts would be important.展开更多
Continuous cultivation without adequate fertilizer application is responsible<span style="font-family:Verdana;"> for plant nutrient depletion and yield decline of major food crops in sub-Saharan Africa...Continuous cultivation without adequate fertilizer application is responsible<span style="font-family:Verdana;"> for plant nutrient depletion and yield decline of major food crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Field experiments were conducted on umbric Cambisol in Babungo and ustic Oxisol in Bansoa in the Western Highlands of Cameroon over two years to evaluate the effects of combined application of leaf biomass of agroforestry species and mineral fertilizers with their economic returns on maize yield performance. Ten treatments encompassing sole mineral fertilizer, sole leaf biomass of <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Leucaena</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> and <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, leaf biomasses combined with mineral fertilizer and absolute control were laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data collected on maize grain yield was subjected to analysis of variance using XLSTAT version 2014 statistical software. In addition, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate the profitability of the different treatment combinations. The results showed significant differences (<i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> ≤ 0.05) amongst the different treatments on maize yield on both soil types. The highest maize yields which stood at 5.93 t/ha and 6.01 t/ha were recorded in plots treated with <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> plus half recommended mineral fertilizer on umbric Cambisol and ustic Oxisol respectively. Economic analyses showed that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> plus half recommended mineral fertilizer gave the highest net benefit and return to labor of 286500 FCFA and 5.1 on umbric Cambisol and 296051 FCFA and 5.3 on ustic Oxisol respectively. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">O</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n both soils, all the treatments except <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>with half recommended mineral fertilizers were economically profitable with benefit to cost ratios that ranged from 2.02 to 2.92.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Combined application of agroforestry tree species leaf biomass and mineral fertilizers is an appropriate technology to enhance maize grain yield and is economically profitable except </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i>Calliandra</i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> with half recommended mineral fertilizers and is therefore recommended for degraded <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> and Oxisols in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.</span>展开更多
The valorisation of plant genetic resources following the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) process of the Nagoya Protocol requires the mastery of traditional knowledge associated with their uses by local populations. ...The valorisation of plant genetic resources following the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) process of the Nagoya Protocol requires the mastery of traditional knowledge associated with their uses by local populations. The objectives of this study were to survey the aromatic or cosmetics plants species used by the populations and to collect information on the knowledge associated with their uses in the Western highlands of Cameroon. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out in 12 localities, where 251 individuals, including 206 men and 45 women, whose ages ranged from 25 to 81 years were interviewed. Information on each of the plant species mentioned and their different uses were recorded. A total of 103 species in 81 genera and 46 families were cited for aromatic or cosmetic uses, of which the most represented were the Lamiaceae (18 species), Asteraceae, and Zingiberaceae (7 species each). The identified plants were grouped into four categories of use: medicinal (56.31%), cosmetic (10.68%), food (6.80%), and cultural (1.94%). Most of the species surveyed were herbaceous (66%) with leaves being the most used part. The diversity index values of the respondents showed 10 species that were very well known and used by the populations: Eryngium foetidum, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Ocimum gratissimum, Piper umbellatum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Aframomum melegueta, Citrus limon, Costus afer, Cyperus rotundus, and Mondia whitei. These species were mainly used for: cough, spiritual protection, sexual weakness, cysts, diabetes, prostate, rheumatism, filaria, insomnia, female sterility, jaundice, scabies, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure and asthma. The results obtained constitute a valuable source of information that can contribute to the establishment of value chains allowing the effective valorisation of species following the ABS process.展开更多
Potato (<i>Solanum</i> <i>tuberosum</i> L.), important staple food and a source of income to small-scale farmers, is mostly cultivated in Cameroon in the Western Highlands. Production constrain...Potato (<i>Solanum</i> <i>tuberosum</i> L.), important staple food and a source of income to small-scale farmers, is mostly cultivated in Cameroon in the Western Highlands. Production constraints are exerted on this crop by many pathogens including viruses responsible for considerable yield losses. This study aimed at assessing the perception of farmers on the virus diseases that can affect potatoes, and to identify the control methods adopted against them. A semi-structured survey was carried out among 230 farmers in 24 villages of the Western Highlands zone of Cameroon. Out of these farmers, 80.87% had never heard of potato viruses. Those having pre-knowledge about potato viruses were 19.13%. Among the latter, 16.52% had heard of potato viruses and transmission mode during capacity building workshops while 2.61% didn’t know about the means of transmission. Insect control is essentially chemical (100%). However, few farmers use biological methods such as intercropping (7.39%) and application of plant extracts (4.78%) to control insects. Twelve plant species, belonging to nine families, were mentioned for insect control. In addition to plants, farmers also use wood ash and rabbit urine for insect control. These results show the knowledge gap possessed by farmers with respect to potato viruses and their transmission mode. It is thus speculated that this spans to other crops in Cameroon settings. This finding can serve as a base and a working document for policymaking to ameliorate teaching, research and devilment related to plant viruses for better sustainable food production.展开更多
With the aim of assessing floristic diversity, stand structure and vegetation ecology, the present work was carried out in the savanna mosaic forest of the locality of Ndjole (Centre Cameroon). A total of 30 floristic...With the aim of assessing floristic diversity, stand structure and vegetation ecology, the present work was carried out in the savanna mosaic forest of the locality of Ndjole (Centre Cameroon). A total of 30 floristic plots of 40 m × 40 m (1600 m<sup>2</sup>) were delineated in the different ecosystems (forest, forest-savanna contact zone and the savanna). Within each plot, all individuals with a diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm at 1.30 m were taken into account. ANOVA was used to compare the means of the diversity indices of the different ecosystems, and the DUNCAN test at 5% significance level (XLSTAT 2016) to separate these means. A total of 85 species belonging to 67 genera and 33 families were recorded. That is, 68 species in semi-caducifolia forest, 45 in forest-savanna contact zone and 18 in savanna. Urticaceae, Combretaceae, Apocynaceae, Myristicaceae and Euphorbiaceae are the most diverse families in the forest. On the other hand, in contact zones, the Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Annonaceae and Moraceae families are the most diversified, while in the savannas, the Combretaceae, Fabaceae and Annonaceae families are the most diversified. Shannon’s diversity index values (1.7 to 2.37 bits) reflect low specific diversity;Piélou’s equitability (0.86 to 0.9) shows good distribution of individuals within species. The diametric structure of woody species shows an inverted “J” shape in all plant communities. This indicates a high regeneration potential characterized by a greater number of small trees than large trees. Mesophanerophytes and megaphanerophytes are dominant in forests and forest-savanna contact zones, and microphanerophytes in the savannas. Endozoochory is the main mode of diaspore dissemination. As regards the distribution of phytogeographical types, it shows the overall dominance of Guineo-Congolese species in all plant communities. Our study provides detailed data on forest-savanna floristic and plant life traits in the mosaic and recommends further studies on the impact of environmental parameter variations on the forest encroachment into savanna.展开更多
文摘Good practice in post-harvest operations depends on the contamination of groundnuts (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em>) by mycotoxins. The objective of this study is to identify farmers’ practices that pose a risk to the post-harvest preservation of the fruits of <em>Arachis hypogaea</em> in the province of Mayo Kebbi Ouest. Data collection was carried out using a farmer survey sheet based on a questionnaire on drying and storage techniques and losses related to groundnut harvesting. The study revealed that the fruits of<em> Arachis hypogaea </em>are dried on the fields and stored in shells or pods in polyethylene bags. The latter can be kept for up to 6 months in the shop (44%), in the attic (25.3%), in living quarters (18.7%) and both in the attic and in houses (12%). The level of post-harvest losses is due on the one hand to post-harvest diseases (60%) and the presence of insects on the crops (32%) and on the other hand to the germination of seeds (8%) after the harvest due to heavy rains. This loss on a scale of 2% to 10% is 74.7% and 10% to 50% is 25.3%. Drying and storage techniques in these localities represent a risk of mycotoxin contamination of groundnuts. Raising farmers’ awareness of harvest management techniques to preserve the sanitary quality of groundnuts would be important.
文摘Continuous cultivation without adequate fertilizer application is responsible<span style="font-family:Verdana;"> for plant nutrient depletion and yield decline of major food crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Field experiments were conducted on umbric Cambisol in Babungo and ustic Oxisol in Bansoa in the Western Highlands of Cameroon over two years to evaluate the effects of combined application of leaf biomass of agroforestry species and mineral fertilizers with their economic returns on maize yield performance. Ten treatments encompassing sole mineral fertilizer, sole leaf biomass of <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Leucaena</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> and <i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>, leaf biomasses combined with mineral fertilizer and absolute control were laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data collected on maize grain yield was subjected to analysis of variance using XLSTAT version 2014 statistical software. In addition, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate the profitability of the different treatment combinations. The results showed significant differences (<i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> ≤ 0.05) amongst the different treatments on maize yield on both soil types. The highest maize yields which stood at 5.93 t/ha and 6.01 t/ha were recorded in plots treated with <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> plus half recommended mineral fertilizer on umbric Cambisol and ustic Oxisol respectively. Economic analyses showed that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cassia</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> plus half recommended mineral fertilizer gave the highest net benefit and return to labor of 286500 FCFA and 5.1 on umbric Cambisol and 296051 FCFA and 5.3 on ustic Oxisol respectively. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">O</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n both soils, all the treatments except <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i>with half recommended mineral fertilizers were economically profitable with benefit to cost ratios that ranged from 2.02 to 2.92.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Combined application of agroforestry tree species leaf biomass and mineral fertilizers is an appropriate technology to enhance maize grain yield and is economically profitable except </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i>Calliandra</i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> with half recommended mineral fertilizers and is therefore recommended for degraded <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Calliandra</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> and Oxisols in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.</span>
文摘The valorisation of plant genetic resources following the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) process of the Nagoya Protocol requires the mastery of traditional knowledge associated with their uses by local populations. The objectives of this study were to survey the aromatic or cosmetics plants species used by the populations and to collect information on the knowledge associated with their uses in the Western highlands of Cameroon. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out in 12 localities, where 251 individuals, including 206 men and 45 women, whose ages ranged from 25 to 81 years were interviewed. Information on each of the plant species mentioned and their different uses were recorded. A total of 103 species in 81 genera and 46 families were cited for aromatic or cosmetic uses, of which the most represented were the Lamiaceae (18 species), Asteraceae, and Zingiberaceae (7 species each). The identified plants were grouped into four categories of use: medicinal (56.31%), cosmetic (10.68%), food (6.80%), and cultural (1.94%). Most of the species surveyed were herbaceous (66%) with leaves being the most used part. The diversity index values of the respondents showed 10 species that were very well known and used by the populations: Eryngium foetidum, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Ocimum gratissimum, Piper umbellatum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Aframomum melegueta, Citrus limon, Costus afer, Cyperus rotundus, and Mondia whitei. These species were mainly used for: cough, spiritual protection, sexual weakness, cysts, diabetes, prostate, rheumatism, filaria, insomnia, female sterility, jaundice, scabies, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure and asthma. The results obtained constitute a valuable source of information that can contribute to the establishment of value chains allowing the effective valorisation of species following the ABS process.
文摘Potato (<i>Solanum</i> <i>tuberosum</i> L.), important staple food and a source of income to small-scale farmers, is mostly cultivated in Cameroon in the Western Highlands. Production constraints are exerted on this crop by many pathogens including viruses responsible for considerable yield losses. This study aimed at assessing the perception of farmers on the virus diseases that can affect potatoes, and to identify the control methods adopted against them. A semi-structured survey was carried out among 230 farmers in 24 villages of the Western Highlands zone of Cameroon. Out of these farmers, 80.87% had never heard of potato viruses. Those having pre-knowledge about potato viruses were 19.13%. Among the latter, 16.52% had heard of potato viruses and transmission mode during capacity building workshops while 2.61% didn’t know about the means of transmission. Insect control is essentially chemical (100%). However, few farmers use biological methods such as intercropping (7.39%) and application of plant extracts (4.78%) to control insects. Twelve plant species, belonging to nine families, were mentioned for insect control. In addition to plants, farmers also use wood ash and rabbit urine for insect control. These results show the knowledge gap possessed by farmers with respect to potato viruses and their transmission mode. It is thus speculated that this spans to other crops in Cameroon settings. This finding can serve as a base and a working document for policymaking to ameliorate teaching, research and devilment related to plant viruses for better sustainable food production.
文摘With the aim of assessing floristic diversity, stand structure and vegetation ecology, the present work was carried out in the savanna mosaic forest of the locality of Ndjole (Centre Cameroon). A total of 30 floristic plots of 40 m × 40 m (1600 m<sup>2</sup>) were delineated in the different ecosystems (forest, forest-savanna contact zone and the savanna). Within each plot, all individuals with a diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm at 1.30 m were taken into account. ANOVA was used to compare the means of the diversity indices of the different ecosystems, and the DUNCAN test at 5% significance level (XLSTAT 2016) to separate these means. A total of 85 species belonging to 67 genera and 33 families were recorded. That is, 68 species in semi-caducifolia forest, 45 in forest-savanna contact zone and 18 in savanna. Urticaceae, Combretaceae, Apocynaceae, Myristicaceae and Euphorbiaceae are the most diverse families in the forest. On the other hand, in contact zones, the Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Annonaceae and Moraceae families are the most diversified, while in the savannas, the Combretaceae, Fabaceae and Annonaceae families are the most diversified. Shannon’s diversity index values (1.7 to 2.37 bits) reflect low specific diversity;Piélou’s equitability (0.86 to 0.9) shows good distribution of individuals within species. The diametric structure of woody species shows an inverted “J” shape in all plant communities. This indicates a high regeneration potential characterized by a greater number of small trees than large trees. Mesophanerophytes and megaphanerophytes are dominant in forests and forest-savanna contact zones, and microphanerophytes in the savannas. Endozoochory is the main mode of diaspore dissemination. As regards the distribution of phytogeographical types, it shows the overall dominance of Guineo-Congolese species in all plant communities. Our study provides detailed data on forest-savanna floristic and plant life traits in the mosaic and recommends further studies on the impact of environmental parameter variations on the forest encroachment into savanna.
