http://www.tropicultura.org Publisher: Agri-Overseas, ISSN 0771-3312. fr-be http://www.bib.fsagx.ac.be/picture/cover/issn/small/07713312.jpg http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/193.pdf By L.E. Ahoton & F. Quenum / Jatropha curcas is a shrub which has an important economic and medicinal role in tropical and subtropical zones of the world. The oil of its kernels can serve as fuel feedstock to produce diesel, indicating its potential as a renewable source of energy. In an attempt to introduce new variation into cultivated Jatropha curcas, a program of intraspecific hybridization with several ecotypes originating from Africa, Asia and America was undertaken. Field studies were performed over three years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Before achieving hybridization, the floral ratio and the breeding system of physic nut were studied in Southern Benin ecological conditions. Significant differences (P< 0.05) were observed between the analysed ecotypes regarding the number of female flowers. This study has also confirmed that the breeding system of Jatropha curcas is essentially outcrossing and that foraging insects are the main pollination actors of female flowers. New intraspecific hybrid combinations were produced involving nine accessions. Crosses results varied according to the origin and the direction of the hybridization. Crosses between accessions of J. curcas originating from Africa and Asia gave hybrids without difficulty. The data obtained confirm that apomixis might play a major role in J. curcas a reproductive biology. Considering the high number of female flowers per inflorescence produced by the accession from Ecuador, and the large genetic distance existing between this accession and those from Africa and Asia, it should constitute a valuable genetic stock for the development of F1 hybrids with local ecotypes of J. curcas. However, the use of growth regulators might be necessary to improve the hybridization success rate when it is used as female parent. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/199.pdf By (Grace) T. Iyeghe-Erakpotobor / Thirty-six crossbred growing rabbits were used to evaluate performance of rabbits on sole and mixed forage meals in a 3 x 2 factorial experiment consisting three treatments made of Arachis hypogea (groundnut, GFM), Lablab purpureus (lablab, LFM) forage meals and 50:50 mixture of both forage meals (GLFM), and two sex groups (males and females) in a completely randomized design. Both forages were harvested, chopped and milled before inclusion at 50% rate into the concentrate diet to make complete diets and offered at 125 g/rabbit/day in earthen feeders in the morning at 08.00 hr. Results obtained indicated that forage type did not affect final weight of rabbits. Feed intake and weight gain respectively were similar for GFM (75.26 ± 4.18, 6.02 ± 1.18 g/day), LFM (78.91 ± 3.50, 7.86 ± 0.99 g/day) and GLFM (74.35 ± 3.54, 7.53 ± 1.00 g/day). Feed cost and feed cost/kg gain were also similar for all the forage types. Male and female rabbits had similar final weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed cost and feed cost/kg gain. While weight gain was higher on GFM (7.95 ± 1.29 g/day) and LFM (7.37 ± 1.39 g/day) than GLFM (5.25 ± 1.29 g/day) for male rabbits, for female rabbits, weight gain was similar on GLFM (9.81 ± 1.53 g/day) and LFM (8.33 ± 1.39 g/day) and lower on GFM (4.09 ± 1.97 g/day). Saving/kg gain for male rabbits fed GFM and LFM was $ 0.64-0.81 than GLFM while it was $ 0.91-1.35 for female rabbits fed LFM and GLFM than GFM. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/204.pdf By (Marieke) Terren, S. Saverys, P. Jacquet de Haveskercke, S. Winandy & G. Mergeai / With the objective of determining whether it would be possible to sustainably produce Jatropha curcas L. seeds on the marginal land situated close to the Senegal River, a 6-hectare pilot plantation was cultivated under drip irrigation between September 2007-November 2011, close to the village of Bokhol (Lat. 16°31'N, Long. 15°23'W). A series of tests were conducted on this plot, in order to identify the best cultivation methods for the area (date, density and method of planting, appropriate type of pruning, fertilisers to be applied, irrigation method, etc.). The average yields obtained at this site, after four years of cultivation (less than 500 kg.ha-1 of dry seed), using the best known production techniques, are significantly lower than anticipated, compared to the available figures for the irrigated cultivation of Jatropha in other parts of the world. The main causes of this failure are the plant's limited useful vegetation period of six months per year, instead of twelve, and the scale of attacks by a soilborne vascular disease, which destroyed over 60% of the plantation within four years. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/209.pdf By (Habsatou) Boukary, A. Roumba, T. Adam, M. Barrage & M. Saadou / Interaction between Onion Ecotypes Variability and Agroclimatics Factors in Niger. The onion is the most important vegetable crop grown in Niger. Annual production is estimated at 561,000 tons, ranking the country at the second place of onion producers of the West Africa behind Nigeria. A collection of local cultivars of onion of Niger was conducted in 2008. This survey was followed by a study of their interaction with the agro-climatic factors. Conventional methods of collection of plant material (mentioning of the location of collection sites on the map, identification and description of samples, history of ecotypes, growing conditions, etc.) were used. The varietal aspect of different collection was highlighted. Twenty-one local ecotypes including the "Violet de Galmi" were collected. The results also revealed interaction between some varietal characteristics such as bulb color, life cycle and agro-climatic and geomorphological factors of the collection sites. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/216.pdf By Y. Touré, M. Koné, H. Kouakou Tanoh & D. Koné / The objective of this study was to investigate the agro-morphological and phenological characteristics of ten Bambara groundnut landraces that originated in the Ivory Coast. The study was conducted on an experimental plot at the University of Abobo-Adjame. The trial was set up according to a randomized complete block design with five replications. Twenty variables were used to identify the landraces. Landraces Ci1, Ci3, Ci10 and Ci12 exhibited high emergence percentages, early maturity within 90 DAS (days after sowing) and low vegetative/floral development. A high seed yield (388 to 495 kg/ha) was also obtained from these landraces. In contrast, a low seedling emergence rate, high vegetative development and yield (80 kg/ha) could be observed with landrace Ci9. This landrace reached maturity within 180 DAS. Landraces Ci2, Ci4, Ci5, and Ci8, on the other hand, reached maturity between 120-150 DAS. The principal component analysis conducted on the data obtained showed that the landraces with a high seed yield were early in terms of flowering and maturity, but presented low vegetative development, with limited foliage, secondary roots, leaf area and biomass. The physiological and agronomical traits presented by landraces that originated in the Ivory Coast could be exploited in Bambara groundnut varietal improvement programmes. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/222.pdf By (Marieke) Terren, J. Mignon, C. Declerck, H. Jijakli, S. Savery, P. Jacquet de Haveskercke, S. Winandy & G. Mergeai / Jatropha curcas L. seed oil is proven to be toxic to many microorganisms, insects and animals. Despite its toxicity, Jatropha is not pest and disease resistant. The following major pests and diseases affecting Jatropha in the lower valley of the Senegal river have been identified: the leaf miner Stomphastis thraustica (Meyrick, 1908) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae), the leaf and stem miner Pempelia morosalis (Saalmuller, 1880) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) and the shield-backed bug Calidea panaethiopica (Kirkaldy, 1909) (Heteroptera, Scutelleridae), which can cause flower and fruit abortion. Damage from these pests was particularly great during the second year after the plantations were set up (2009) and before later receding. Nevertheless, the worst attacks were caused by a vascular disease transmitted through the soil, which killed 65% of the plants in four years. It is mainly characterised by collar and root rot, which causes foliage to yellow and wilt, before the plant eventually dies. These threats should increase if larger areas are planted with Jatropha. Considering the scale of the damage caused by these attacks in Bokhol, the development of an integrated pest management programme adapted to the local context should be considered. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/230.pdf By Y. Guigma, P. Zerbo & (Jeanne) Millogo-Rasolodimby / Use of Wild Plants Species in Three Adjoining Village Southern Burkina Faso. Wild species are very important for people in developing countries. To enrich the knowledge of useful wild species, series of ethnobotanical surveys was conducted in three adjoining villages of southern Burkina Faso. This survey has permitted to identify 147 species distributed in 117 genera and 52 families. Woody species represent 60% and grass 40%. Fifty percent of the species used belong to seven families: Poaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, Mimosaceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae and Anacardiaceae. Ninety-seven species are used in medicines, 47 for crafts, 46 for cattle feeding, 40 for human nutrition and 21 to provide fire. In all plants use categories, the calculation of index values showed that there are species that are used more than others. Thus, Sarcocephalus latifolius is the species most commonly used in medicines, Parkia biglobosa in human nutrition, Afzelia africana in cattle feeding, Vitellaria paradoxa in crafts and Detarium microcarpum in wood fuel. The evaluation of the diversity of use revealed that wood species have high diversity of uses than herbaceous. V. paradoxa is the species most diversely used. The top five most used species are V. paradoxa, P. biglobosa, Khaya senegalensis, Tamarindus indica and A. africana. The results of this study provide a database to assess the availability and the evolutionary trend of species widely used in the locality. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/236.pdf By G.F. Zro Bi, A. Yao-Kouamé & K.F. Kouamé / Statistical and Spatial Evaluation of the Belier Region (Ivory Coast) Hydromorphic Soils Fertility for Paddy Field Cultivation. In the region of Belier localized in the centre of Ivory Caost, the agricultural production can be increased and diversified thanks to hydromorphic soils, but these soils are deserted most of the times by farmers. So, it appears very important to evaluate the fertility of these soils, in particular their fertility for paddy field cultivation. The method we adopted is based on parametric method of soils evaluation using GIS. The results show that 40%, 50% and 10% of the whole studied soils which covers 474,06 km2, are, respectively, not favourable, little favourable and very favourable for paddy field cultivation. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/243.pdf By L. Bourgou & D. Sanfo / The study compared the adaptability of cotton varieties from Brazil and C4 countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad) to cultivation conditions in Burkina Faso. A Fisher experimental block design was used at two sites during 2010 and 2011. Major agronomic and architectural characteristics were selected, which can be used to describe the production setting up, precocity and yield performances of the varieties. The results revealed that Brazilian varieties produced significantly fewer branches (NVB and NFB) and fruiting sites (SVB and SFB), but produced more bolls (BFB) compared to A 51 (Chad) and STAM 59A (control). At agronomic level, almost all Brazilian varieties seemed to show a lower fiber percent. BRS 293 and, to a lesser extent, CEDRO were found to be the best allround Brazilian varieties, as they produce a similar fiber percent to the best African varieties, as well as a better potential cottonseed yield (BRS 293) and large boll production (CEDRO) compared to African varieties. It will be possible and easy to use some Brazilian varieties in crossings, in order to enhance African varieties, and technical analysis should make it possible to identify the appropriate varieties. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/249.pdf By S.B. Akpan, (Veronica) S. Nkanta & U.A. Essien / This study determines decision variables that influence fertilizer adoption and optimal intensity use among crop farmers in Abak agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom state in Southern Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 150 arable- crop farming household heads in the study area. An independent double hurdle model was used to analyze the objectives of the study on the assumption that adoption and optimal use of fertilizer by respondents were two independent decisions influenced by different factors. Empirical estimates of the first hurdle reveals that family size, farm size, perceived price of fertilizer, years in farming business, value of crop output, extension agent visit, number of goats and sheep kept by farmers, and decision to own poultry are statistically significant decision variables that influenced the probability of adopting fertilizer by farming household heads in the study area. Estimates of the second hurdle revealed that, the decision to use optimum intensity of fertilizer by farming household heads was influenced by age, gender, farm size, purpose of crop production, perceived price of fertilizer, crop output, number of goats and sheep kept by respondents, and distance to fertilizer selling point. To encourage fertilizer adoption and it optimal usage, the price of fertilizer should further be subsidized and extension unit in the state strengthened to educate farmers more on the importance of fertilizer. Also, fertilizer selling units should be located at strategy points in the rural areas in the state so as to reduce the transportation and purchasing costs. http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v30n4/254.pdf By DGD / Interests of establishing a local chain of production and marketing based on the cultivation of jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) in the rural community of Dialacoto (Tambacouda Region, Eastern Senegal). Cette étude nous démontre des facteurs variables qui influent sur l'adoption de l'engrais et son utilisation optimale parmi les cultivateurs de récolte dans la région agricole d'Abak, située dans l'Etat d'Akwa Ibom au sud du Nigéria. Les données primaires étaient recueillies chez 150 leaders de familles agricultrices qui ont des récoltes arables dans le territoire d'étude. Un modèle indépendant "double hurdle" était utilisé pour analyser les objectifs de cette étude sur l'hypothèse que l'adoption et l'utilisation optimale d'engrais par les sondés étaient les deux décisions indépendantes influencées par différents facteurs. Les estimations empiriques du "first hurdle" nous montrent que la taille de famille, la taille de ferme, le prix discerné de l'engrais, les années d'existence des entreprises agricoles, la valeur de production agricole, des visites de l'agent d'extension agricole, le nombre de chèvres et de moutons chez les fermiers, la décision d'avoir de la volaille sont statiquement des décisions fondamentales variables qui ont influencé la probabilité d'adopter l'engrais par les leaders de familles agricultrices dans le territoire d'étude. Les estimations du "second hurdle" ont révélé que, la décision d'adopter l'intensité optimale d'engrais par les leaders de familles agricultrices était influencée par l'âge, le sexe, la taille de ferme, l'objectif de production de récolte, le prix perçu d'engrais, la valeur de récolte, le nombre de chèvres et de moutons gardé par les sondés, et la proximité au marché d'engrais. Pour encourager l'adoption de l'engrais et son utilisation optimale, le prix d'engrais doit être encore subsidié et le bureau d'extension agricole de l'Etat renforcé pour sensibiliser davantage les cultivateurs sur l'importance des engrais. De plus, les points de vente d'engrais doivent être situés aux localités stratégiques dans les zones rurales de l'Etat pour pouvoir réduire le transport et le coût d'achat.