Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

About: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is a education organization based out in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 2786 authors who have published 3066 publications receiving 36850 citations. The organization is also known as: Oyo State University of Technology & LAUTECH.

Nodulation and growth of mycorrhizal Casuarina equisetifolia J.R. and G. First in response to flooding

Abstract: The influence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) inoculation on nodulation and growth of flooded Casuarina equisetifolia J.R. and G. First was investigated. Casuarina seedlings were grown in sterile soil inoculated with Glomus clarum Nicolson and Schenick and flooding was imposed for 8 weeks. Mycorrhizal Casuarina seedlings adapted to flooding better than non-inoculated seedlings. This was achieved partly by the greater development of adventitious roots and hypertrophied lenticels which increased oxygen availability, and therefore VAM infection in the upper soil zone. The VAM infection led to the suppression of the accumulation of toxic products of anaerobic respiration, such as ethanol. Mycorrhizal inoculation also prevented the total suppression of nodulation in the flooded plants. Nodulation was observed only in the upper soil zone, and its occurrence made dinitrogen fixation possible. The results suggest that mycorrhizal infection is essential for nodulation of Casuarina in flooded soils and is therefore related to the relatively higher dinitrogen accumulation in Casuarina under anoxic conditions.

College students in Nigeria underestimate their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS infection.

Abstract: Objectives To assess the perceptions of personal risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection among students of selected tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria and to determine the correlates of perceptions of personal risk of infection.Methods The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to the 405 study participants and correlates of perceptions of personal risk of HIV infection were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis, confidence intervals and odd ratios.Results Only 15% of the students perceived themselves to be at moderate-to-high risk of acquiring HIV infection compared with 85% who perceived themselves to be at little or no risk. Investigators' assessment of risk status of the participants revealed that 77% of the participants were actually at high risk of infection and only 23% at low risk. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of the students' self-perception of personal risk compared with their...

Suitability of Composted Maize Straw and Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer for Tomato Production

Abstract: The use of organic fertilizer may increase yield of tomato and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizer. Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of maize straw (MS) compost with and without mixing with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (Nmin) on the growth, productivity and nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The treatments were 4 and 6 Mt.ha−1 of MS compost and 30 and 60 kg.ha−1 of Nmin fertilizer. Controls with no compost (0 Mt.ha−1) or Nmin fertilizer (0 kg.ha−1), or Nmin only were included. Applications of MS compost and Nmin enhanced plant growth and were more effective than the control treatment. Plant height, number of flowers and fruit produced per plant and plant dry matter yield were all improved significantly by application of MS compost alone or in combination with Nmin. Yields and yield components indicated that the crop had a better response to application of compost, but less to Nmin. The combined application of 4 Mtha−1 of MS compost and Nmin ferti...