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Research Article
Effect of fertilizer Microdosing of and Microbial Inoculation on Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) Growth on Two Soils of the Peanut Basin of Senegal
Khady Diaw,
Ramatoulaye Thiaba Samba*
,
Malick Ndiaye,
Mame Arame Fall Ndiaye
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
110-119
Received:
25 May 2026
Accepted:
8 June 2026
Published:
3 July 2026
Abstract: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) is a very important cereal crop in the semi-arid regions of West Africa, serving as a primary food source for local populations. Therefore, its productivity remains lowered by soil degradation and low availability of inputs as fertilizers. In this context, biofertilizers and organic amendments offer sustainable and ecological alternatives for enhancing crop performance. This study aims to contribute to improve pearl millet production through the application of biofertilizers arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) combined with microdose NPK. The research focuses on two soils of the peanut basin of Senegal (Touba Toul and Gossas). Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control, microdose, fungal inoculation (AMF), bacterial inoculation (PGPR) and dual inoculation (AMF+PGPR)) and five replicates, on each of the two soils. The parameters assessed included mycorrhization, collar diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, shoot and root biomass, and ears length. Results revealed that, the microdose generated the best agronomic performance, including 46% increase in chlorophyll content and 30% increase in collar diameter compared to control. The AMF, PGPR and AMF+PGPR treatments showed more variable effects. While close to some parameters such as shoot biomass, improved significantly (up to 20% increase), but with no significant improvement in root biomass (1.02% increase). A notable site effect was observed: Touba Toul proved to be more favourable for millet growth, with an overall performance increase of around 60% compared to Gossas. These findings suggest that combining biofertilization with fertilizer microdosing could be a promising strategy for sustainable pearl millet production in sahelian regions.
Abstract: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) is a very important cereal crop in the semi-arid regions of West Africa, serving as a primary food source for local populations. Therefore, its productivity remains lowered by soil degradation and low availability of inputs as fertilizers. In this context, biofertilizers and organic amendments offer sust...
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Research Article
Reproductive Performance of Artificially Inseminated Dairy Cattle Under Smallholder Management Systems in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
120-128
Received:
3 June 2026
Accepted:
22 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: This study assessed the reproductive performance of dairy cattle bred through artificial insemination (AI) under smallholder management conditions in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. Records from 200 cows were used to estimate the conception rate (CR), while a subset of 128 cows with complete reproductive records was used to evaluate the calving interval (CI), the number of services per conception (NSC), and the days open (DO). Overall mean NSC, CI, DO, and CR were 1.61, 470.80 days, 111.55 days, and 59.91%, respectively. Season of insemination, breed group, and parity significantly affected NSC (p < 0.05). Cows inseminated during the dry season required more services per conception than those inseminated during the wet season (IRR = 1.34, p < 0.001). Parity and breed group significantly affected CI, with cows in parity ≥5 having longer calving intervals (510.01 ± 68.23 days) than first-parity cows (420.63 ± 29.74 days; p < 0.001). Local cattle had the longest CI (574.50 ± 78.79 days), whereas Friesian cows had the shortest CI, (433.00 ± 17.89 days). Higher-parity cows also had longer DO (p < 0.05). CR was significantly associated with breed group, although the Jersey estimate should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size. These findings indicate that reproductive performance under smallholder AI systems is influenced by both animal-related and management-related factors particularly breed group, parity, and seasonal conditions.
Abstract: This study assessed the reproductive performance of dairy cattle bred through artificial insemination (AI) under smallholder management conditions in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. Records from 200 cows were used to estimate the conception rate (CR), while a subset of 128 cows with complete reproductive records was used to evaluate the calving inte...
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Research Article
Factors Influencing Catfish Fingerling Production in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
Olubunmi Olanike Alawode*,
Abiodun Wakeel Olayiwola
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
129-140
Received:
22 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
Abstract: Although catfish farming is a highly lucrative investment for Nigerian entrepreneurs, its success depends on many factors. This paper examines the factors influencing catfish fingerling production among catfish farmers in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. The study used primary data from 31 catfish farmers who produce fingerlings in the area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and ordinary least square regression model. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-demographic features, mode of operation, and production capacity of the farmers. Chi-square analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the mode of operation and the fingerling production capacity, and the ordinary least square regression was used to determine the factors influencing catfish fingerlings production. Results show that most fish farmers (61.3%) operate full-time. Over half (54.8%) used leased or rented ponds, 38.7% used earthen ponds, and a majority (83.9%) farm mainly for profit. The mean fish seed per production cycle was 15,451.6 (±1,231.4) pieces. There was a significant relationship between the number of catfish fingerling rearing units and the farmers’ production capacity (x2=26.672, p=0.000). Being educated (p<0.10) and having years of experience (p<0.01) in fingerling production improved production capacities while part-time operation (p<0.10) and sourcing water from boreholes (p<0.05) hindered production. Also, the total variable cost had a positive relationship with production at p<0.05. Capacity-building programmes and diversification of water sources are suggested for a more productive and efficient system.
Abstract: Although catfish farming is a highly lucrative investment for Nigerian entrepreneurs, its success depends on many factors. This paper examines the factors influencing catfish fingerling production among catfish farmers in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. The study used primary data from 31 catfish farmers who produce fingerlings in the area. ...
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Research Article
Agromorphological Evaluation and Selection of
High-performing Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Lines for Variety Development in Burkina Faso
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
141-151
Received:
13 July 2026
Accepted:
24 July 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261204.14
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Views:
Abstract: Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a widespread traditional vegetable in Burkina Faso, whose fruits are rich in trace elements, vitamins, fiber, and mucilage. Despite favorable soil and climatic conditions, production remains low due to socio-cultural constraints and a lack of high-performing, adapted varieties. To identify okra lines with superior agromorphologique performance and potential for varietal selection, eight lines seven from Burkina Faso (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 and V8) and one from Mali (V7) were characterized using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on nine qualitative and sixteen quantitative traits. The results showed variability in stem, fruit, and seed characteristics. Indeed, the most significant variations in phenotypic traits were observed in stem and fruit coloration, seed weight per plant, immature fruit weight, and seed yield. Lines V3, V5, V7, and V8 exhibited desirable traits, notably earliness, large leaf size, fruit coloration, a high number of seeds per fruit, high seed weight, and high yield and could be used in a hybridization program to develop okra varieties that combine a maximum of desired characteristics. Seed yield (SY) showed the highest heritability associated with the most significant genetic gain. This combination indicates strong additive gene action, suggesting that direct selection of the best lines based on field performance will allow for rapid and significant improvement in okra productivity.
Abstract: Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a widespread traditional vegetable in Burkina Faso, whose fruits are rich in trace elements, vitamins, fiber, and mucilage. Despite favorable soil and climatic conditions, production remains low due to socio-cultural constraints and a lack of high-performing, adapted varieties. To identify okra lines wit...
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Research Article
Phenotypic Differentiation and Yield-Component of Farmer-Recognized Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Genotypes in Selected Tanzanian Agroecosystems
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
152-165
Received:
17 July 2026
Accepted:
27 July 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261204.15
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Abstract: Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an economically important perennial spice crop in Tanzania, but the identity, phenotypic distinctness and yield-component characteristics of farmer-maintained planting materials remain poorly documented. This study characterized farmer-recognized black pepper genotypes using integrated vegetative, leaf, spike, berry and reproductive-mass descriptors. An observational on-farm blocked characterization study was conducted across nine farms in Morogoro, Tanga and Unguja. A total of 138 mature vines were assessed for 28 descriptors, comprising nine qualitative and 19 quantitative traits. Vine-level quantitative data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models that accounted for farm-level clustering. Qualitative descriptors were analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests with Monte Carlo simulation and Cramér’s V. Relationships among traits and integrated phenotypic structure were examined using correlation analysis, principal component analysis, factor analysis of mixed data, Gower-distance clustering and PERMANOVA. Soil variability among the nine farms was examined exploratorily using principal component analysis. Strong genotype-associated differentiation was observed for spike length (F = 171.94, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.954), number of spikes per kilogram (F = 42.09, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.927), berry length (F = 62.96, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.901), berry-size index (F = 35.71, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.813) and leaf-size index (F = 33.79, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.796). BABUKUBWA expressed the longest spikes and largest leaves but comparatively light dry spikes. KATI had the greatest individual dry spike weight, BABUNDOGO had the greatest fresh weight of 100 spikes, ISMAILIA produced the most berries per spike, and NDEFU and KATI had the greatest 1,000-berry mass. Qualitative differentiation was strongest for spike shape (V = 0.909), spike setting (V = 0.806), leaf shape (V = 0.777), branching habit (V = 0.745) and leaf venation (V = 0.667). Multivariate analyses indicated that differentiation reflected integrated combinations of vegetative and reproductive traits, while farm-level clustering was pronounced for several vigour and reproductive-mass traits. Farmer-recognized black pepper genotypes in the surveyed production environments possessed coherent and multidimensional phenotypic profiles. Spike length alone did not predict reproductive mass, demonstrating that selection should integrate spike number, berry number, berry size, spike mass and dry recovery. The identified materials provide candidate germplasm for conservation and further evaluation, but morphological differentiation does not confirm genetic distinctness. Molecular characterization, and balanced multi-environment clonal trials are required before the materials can be recognized as distinct cultivars or recommended for formal release.
Abstract: Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an economically important perennial spice crop in Tanzania, but the identity, phenotypic distinctness and yield-component characteristics of farmer-maintained planting materials remain poorly documented. This study characterized farmer-recognized black pepper genotypes using integrated vegetative, leaf, spike, berr...
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