Horticulture Research Papers/Topics

Pre- and Postharvest Factors Affecting Quality and Safety of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Abstract The quality and safety of pepper (Piper nigrum L.) are a function of crop management practices, harvest maturity, harvesting methods and subsequent handling after harvest, including storage conditions and processing methods. The review shows that volatile oil decreases with shade intensity (15–30%). Essential oil, oleoresin, piperine and monoterpenes (thujene, α-pinene, sabinene, limonene, α-phellandrene and linalool) increase with altitude, while β-caryophyllene and total ...

Potentials of Spices Diet-Derived Polyphenols in Modulating the Self- Renewal of Stem Cells

Abstract Over many centuries, spices have been and are globally utilized in foods and drinks, as well as in pharmaceuticals industries. Spices are rich in health-beneficial chemical constituents that include diet- derived polyphenols, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibres. Stem cells can self- renew and differentiate into major cell types. However, malignant stem cells can invade and kill nearby tissue as well as spread to other body parts through the blood and ...

Morphological Characterization and Yield of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Types Grown in Morogoro District, Tanzania

Abstract Background: Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is among key spice crops grown in Morogoro district of Tanzania. Most of the pepper types grown in the district are only known by their local names as Babu kubwa, Babu ndogo, Babu kati and Ismailia. This may limit information on germplasm collection or genetic resource for plant improvement and trade in markets with variety specifications. The aim of this study was to generate preliminary information of the pepper types based on their morpholo...

Establishment of the Causal Agent(s) of Spike Shedding and Stem Wilting of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Morogoro District, Tanzania

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) serves as a source of income to smallholder spice farmers in Morogoro district of Tanzania. Recently, spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper plants were reported to cause about 30% yield loss of the crop. 'is study was undertaken to identify the causal agent(s) of the problems. 'ree pepper gardens in each of the four hamlets (Nyange, Doga, Tandai, and Lukenge) in Tandai village (Kinole ward) were surveyed, and plant tissue and soil samples were collected for la...

Extent of Spike Shedding and Stem Wilting of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Morogoro District, Tanzania

Abstract Background: Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an important spice produced by small-scale farmers in Morogoro district of Tanzania for both local and export markets. Recently, farmers have reported a decline in crop productivity due to spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper plants. The study was conducted to obtain baseline information on the extent of the disorders. Methods: An altitudinal transect survey was conducted in Morogoro district from October to November 2018. Data were co...

Comparative Study of the Biochemical Properties of the Fruits of Wild (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium Jusl. (Mill.)) and the Cultivated (L. esculentum Mill.) Tomato Cultivars in Nigeria

Abstract Thefruitsofthreecultivarsofthecultivatedtomato (Lycopersiconesculentum)andthewildspecies (L.pimpinellifolium)wereanalysed andcompared fortheirbiochemicalproperties. Ripefruitsat theorange-redstagewereusedforall theanalyses.Both thecultivated andthewildtomatospeciesshowedhighmoisturecontents. Thewildtomatocultivarhadahighercrudeproteincontentandquantitatively represents thebettersourceofproteinintakewhencomparedwith thecultivatedcultivars. Thecrude fibrecontent washighestin L. es...

Farmers Information Literacy And Awareness Towards Agricultural Produce And Food Security: FADAMA III Programs In Osun State Nigeria

Abstract: Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, because it does not only contribute to the largest share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is the largest employer of labour and a key contributor to wealth creation and poverty alleviation, as large percentage of the population derive their income from agriculture and related activities . Agricultural sector is the backbone of many economies in Africa, but most African countries are yet to devote their efforts to the diss...

EFFECTS OF SOIL AMENDMENTS ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OKRA FRUITS

ABSTRACT In Nigeria farmers apply fertilizers arbitrarily without considering the resultant effect on soil and the postharvest quality of crops. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer 20:10:10 on the postharvest quality of okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moen). Okra seeds NHE-47 were sown in the field at the National Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria at a spacing of 50 cm x 25 cm. The fertilizer NPK 20-10-10 ...

EVALUATION OF POST HARVEST HANDLING OF PEPPER FRUIT (Capsicum frutescens) BY MARKETERS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT  The study examined post harvest handling methods of pepper fruit  and constrains faced by handlers. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Five markets were purposively selective in Ibadan, Oyo State. Namely Sasa, Bodija, Erunmu, Station and Odo-Ori where 20 respondents each were randomly selected. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were analysed using frequency distribution.  The Pepper fruit marketers mean a...

EFFECTS OF SOIL AMENDMENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens L.) FRUITS

 ABSTRACT        Research was conducted at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure between March to August 2010  and 2011 to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of pepper fruits. Pepper fruit (Capsicum frutescens) Long Cayenne was procured at the seed section of department of Agronomy University of Ibadan and raised for six weeks in the green house before transplanting to the field at a spacing of 70 cm x 50 cm inter and intra row spacing respect...

Greenhouse

ABSTRACT The present work is an overview of greenhouse construction and some of the important factors on greenhouses such as the essentials for greenhouse structure construction, the functional requirements for greenhouse structures, the material requirements and quality of such materials, the different loads that greenhouses may be exposed to and how they can be taken care of during the planning and design stages. These factors affect the construction of greenhouses country wide and thus som...