Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science 

Abstract: Different plant population densities and manure rates on the yield and yield components of short-day onion was investigated using a 4x4 factorial experiment that was laid out in three randomized complete block design. Results showed significant differences in the number of leaves produced per plant, leaf area (cm 2 ), bulb diameter and bulb yield. A mean of 10 leaves/plant was produced when plants were spaced at 30.5cm x 15.2cm (215,054 plants/ha). The application of manure at 22.40 ton/ha gave mean of 11 leaves/plant. Leaf area was affected more by manuring at 22.40 tons/ha (65.26cm 2 ) than by plant population density. Bulb diameter was greatest (8.18cm) at the highest manure application of 22.40 ton/ha than at the lowest population density of 215,000 with a mean bulb diameter of 7.18cm. Total bulb yield (9.55 ton/ha) was influenced more by manure application at 22.40 ton/ha than by plant density. The implication of the findings is highlighted for successful onion production. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 43-48

Abstract: Extracts from mature calyces of six varieties of Roselle ( Hibiscuss sabdariffa L.) grown at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, were assessed for quality through proximate and chemical analysis procedures as well as by sensory evaluation. Proximate composition of all six varieties as indicated by percentages of carbohydrate, protein, crude fibre, fat and ash were similar, with carbohydrate and crude fibre as dominant constituents. Colour intensity as a major index in calyzx utility for beverage drink concentration was determined by spectrophotometric assay of extracts, with results indicating significant differences between varieties.Sensory evaluation and chemical analysis further showed a high ranking for the Purple Dark Red variety in terms of colour intensity, sourness to taste, and overall acceptability of the drink. This was followed by varieties Light Red, Bright Red, Dark Red, Ex-Alabata and Green in that order.The implications of the differences between varieties in colour intensity, pH, and titratable acidity in industrial use for beverage drinks were discussed. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 110-115

Abstract: Fungal and bacterial biocontrol organisms with known activity against soil borne fungal pathogens were tested for their efficacy in controlling Fusarium wilt of tomato in the screen house. The trial tested five organisms ( Trichoderma virile, Trichoderma harzianum, Penicillium oxalicum, Bacilius subtilis and Pseudomonas cepacia ) with the control and two methods of application (root dip and seed treatment) in a 2x6 factorial experiment. Bacillus subtilis was the most effective antagonist providing significant (P T. viride, T. harzianum and P. cepacia also significantly lower the incidence of Fusarium wilt compared to the control. B. subtilis also improved the growth of tomato seedling compared to the other antagonist treatment. The root population of Fusarium oxysporum was significantly lower with antagonists treatments range of (3.3-6.9 log cfu/g root) compared to 7.5 in the control. Antagonist applied as seed treatment gave significantly (P Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 63-68

Abstract: Field study was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Fadama Farm, Sokoto, with the objective of evaluating the effects of staking and spacing on Roma VF cultivar of tomato. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four rows spacing (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm) and two staking (staked and unstaked) laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated three times. Results showed significant (p Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 10 2005: pp. 94-98