Showing papers in "Thai Journal of Agricultural Science in 2010"

The effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, development and nutrient uptake of different vetiver ecotypes.

Abstract: The effects of 10 strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and 4 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculants were examined in order to evaluate their effectiveness and compatibility with three ecotypes of Thai vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), namely the Mae Hae, Suratthanee and Songkhla ecotypes, using pot trials. Three trials were conducted, each with one type of vetiver. In each trial, the treatments were arranged in an 11x5 factorial (including an uninoculated control) using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. It was found that in the Mae Hae and Suratthanee vetiver plants, plant height, root and shoot dry-weight, including nutrient assimilation, were affected by PGPR inoculation, but in the Songkhla ecotype, only nutrient uptake and the percentage of AMF root infection were affected (P<0.05). Furthermore, the ARA of the roots of the Mae Hae vetiver was affected significantly by the main effects of PGPR. AMF affected shoot potassium uptake of the Mae Hae ecotype with an improvement of about 19% (P<0.05) from one AMF when compared to the uninoculated control. The following parameters: plant height, number of tillers and shoot phosphorus uptake of the Mae Hae ecotype, as well as the root and shoot dry-weight, and nutrient assimilation for the Suratthanee ecotype and the plant height, shoot dry-weight and ARA of the roots for the Songkhla ecotype, were all significantly affected by the PGPR x AMF interaction. The variations in responsive patterns to the inoculated microbial treatments were observed across the three vetiver

Influence of various combinations of diazotrophs and chemical N fertilizer on plant growth and N2 fixation capacity of oil palm seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Abstract: The Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) process, which involves diazotrophic microorganisms, is an important agricultural practice for improving crop yield and environmental quality. Although diazotrophs have a positive interaction with the host plants and can reduce the need for N fertilizer, BNF alone cannot meet the N requirement for maximizing host plant yield. Thus, a combination of plant N2 fixation and the response to small amounts of nitrogen starter should be considered. The study was conducted to observe the effects of diazotrophs on growth of oil palm seedlings and to determine influence of four strains of diazotrophs and different concentrations of nitrogen source on oil palm seedlings. The tested diazotrophs were Herbaspirillum seropedicae (Z78) and the locally isolated Microbacterium sp. (E7 and E14) and Acetobacter sp. (E9). The host plants were inoculated with the diazotroph strains, and also fertilized with different N fertilizer concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). The seedlings were harvested after 360 days of growth and measured for plant dry weight, root density, nutrient accumulation and total leaf chlorophyll and protein content. Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA) was performed to quantify nitrogenase activity of the diazotrophic microorganisms. The results successfully showed that strains Z78, E7 and E14 could potentially enhance growth of oil palm seedlings if supplied together with low levels of N fertilizer.

Evaluation of ORYZA2000 and CERES-rice models under potential growth condition in the central plain of Thailand.

Abstract: This paper reports result of a comparison of two rice growth models, ORYZA2000 and CERES-Rice for cultivation in the Central Plain of Thailand. ORYZA2000 is relatively new research tool in Thailand, while CERES-Rice has been tested and applied for years. Since both models were developed from different approaches, comparison between the models under the same input condition is necessary, otherwise the assessment of impact might be biased. In order to calibrate crop parameters of ORYZA model and to compare performance of the two models, two field experiments had been undertaken under potential growth condition for direct-seeded during wet season in 2007 and 2008, at Mae Klong Yai Irrigation Research Station (13°57′ N, 99°58′ E, 7.8 m MSL) in Nakhon Pathom province, located in the Central Plain of Thailand. The first field trial was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications for 3 rice cultivars. Those were 2 medium-duration cultivars and 1 long-duration cultivar. The second field trial was also laid out in RCBD with 4 replications for 4 medium-duration rice cultivars. Observed crop data set were collected from the first field trial for crop parameter estimation in ORYZA2000, and those from the second field for models comparison. The result showed that both models predicted satisfactorily leaf area, days to panicle initiation, days to flowering and grain yields. Simulated yields were within ±12% of the measurements in term of RMSE statistical index. It might be concluded that both models, are adequate to simulated rice growth and development, particularly ORYZA2000 can be use as an alternative research tool to assist management decision at field scale level in the Central Plain of Thailand.

Isolation, screening of growth-promoting activities and diversity of rhizobacteria from vetiver grass and rice plants.

Abstract: One hundred thirty six isolates of rhizobacteria were obtained from rhizosphere of different vetiver ecotypes and different rice varieties. Their acetylene reduction activities and indole acetic acid (IAA) producing activities were determined. A wide variation in both nitrogenase (0.01-2.15 n mole C2H4 mg protein h and 0.01-8.84 n mole C2H4 mg protein h for the first and second screening, respectively) and IAA (0.05-99.59 and 0.00-118.02 g IAA mg protein for the first and second screening, respectively) activities of the isolates was shown. Twenty five promising isolates that have potential to be PGPR were selected on the basis of both high nitrogenase and/or IAA production activities. The diversity of the selected isolates was indicated by 16S rDNA analysis. A total of six clusters of all isolates were represented as follows, Gammaproteobacteria (Order Xanthomonadales), Betaproteobacteria (Order Burkholderiales), Gammaproteobacteria (Order Enterobateriales), Alphaproteobacteria (Order Rhodospirillales), Alphaproteobacteria (Order Rhizobiales) and Endosporobacteria (Order Bacillales).

Successful intrauterine insemination (IUI) with frozen boar semen: effect of dose, volume and fixed-time AI on fertility.

Abstract: The aims of the present study were to study the effect of IUI catheter, dose and volume, and fixed time AI (i.e., using the correlation of weaning-to-oestrus interval-oestrus duration-ovulation time as the indicator) on fertility of frozen boar semen. Thirty-four sows were allocated into the following experimental groups: Experiment I (n=8), sows were divided into 2 groups, group I-A, sows (n=4) were inseminated with frozen semen with a dose of 1x10 spermatozoa, using 20 mL of Modena extender. Group I-B, sows (n=4) were inseminated with frozen semen at the same volume but using a dose of 2x10 spermatozoa. Experiment II (n=26), sows were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group A sows (control, n=10) were further subdivided into group A-I (spiral tip catheter, n=5) and group A-II (IUI catheter, n=5) which were inseminated with fresh semen twice (at 24 and 36 h after standing) with a dose of 4x10 spermatozoa, diluted with 80 mL of BTS extender. Group B sows (n=8), were further subdivided into group B-I (diluted with 40 mL of Modena) and B-II (diluted with 60 mL of Modena) which were inseminated with frozen semen twice (i.e., depending on their weaning to oestrus interval, WOI) with a dose of 1x10 spermatozoa. Group C sows (n=8) were further divided into group C-I (diluted with 40 mL of Modena) and C-II (diluted with 60 mL of Modena) which were inseminated with frozen semen twice (depending on WOI) with a dose of 2x10 spermatozoa. The pregnancy rate (PR), farrowing rate (FR) and total number of piglet born (TNB) were recorded. In Experiment I, pregnancy rate were between 0-25% and no sow farrowed in this experiment. In Experiment II, higher pregnancy rate and farrowing rate were found in groups C-I and N-II than groups B-I and BComparing the doses (1 versus 2 billion sperm), a tendency (p=0.2) toward a high TNB was found when sows were inseminated with 2 billion spermatozoa. No significant difference was found for the effect of volume used for insemination. In conclusion, frozen boar semen can be used successfully by using IUI catheter (e.g., at a dose of 2x10 spermatozoa, diluted with 60 mL of semen extender) together with fixed-time AI (using a correlation of WOI-oestrus durationovulation time).

Soil carbon sequestration in aggregate size of a forested isohyperthermic arenic kandiudult.

Abstract: We studied soil carbon storage in relation to soil aggregate sizes in sandy soils of a floodplain in southeastern Nigeria. Random sampling soil survey was used in field studies. Soil and core samples collected were subjected to routine laboratory analyses for some physico-chemical properties. Soil data were analyzed statistically by using mean and correlation statistics. Concentrations of total soil organic carbon (SOC) decreased with reduced aggregate size at all depths and in the three locations. There were differences in the distribution of carbon fractions in soil aggregates with concentrations of colloidal organic materials being higher in water-unstable aggregates. There was a significant (p<0.05) positive relationship between total SOC and macroaggregate size while at the same level of significance, less than 0.05 mm aggregates had a significant positive association with intra-mM-POM-C and mineralmM-C in all depths.

Geochemical Properties and the Nature of Kaolin and Iron Oxides in Upland Oxisols and Ultisols under a Tropical Monsoonal Climate, Thailand

Abstract: Fifty samples from genetic horizons of 17 soils on various parent materials under a tropical monsoonal climate in Thailand were analyzed for chemical and mineralogical properties of the clay-sized minerals. These Oxisols and Ultisols have kaolinite as the dominant clay mineral and various amounts of accessory minerals with higher amounts of sesquioxide minerals in Oxisols. The crystal size of kaolinite and iron oxides is smaller for basaltic soils relative to soils on granite and sedimentary rocks. Halloysite tubes occur in some soil clays particularly for basaltic soils and these soils also contain gibbsite. Oxisols derived from basalt have relatively higher contents of Fe, Ti, Mg, Mn, Ba, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, La, Nd, Ni, Sc, Sr and Zn. Statistical analysis indicates a lithosequence where soil parent material is the main factor influencing the mineralogical and chemical properties of the clay fraction of these soils.

Atrazine Transport from The Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivated Upland Soil in Huay Kapo Watershed, Nam Nao District, Phetchabun Province, Thailand

Abstract: Huay Kapo Watershed is located in Lakdan Sub-District, Nam Nao District, Phetchabun Province, Thailand. The watershed is located at approximately 400-920 m MSL, has a slope of approximately 18%, high erodibility, and a high soil loss rate (120.15 t ha -1 yr -1 ). This area is used to cultivate maize (Zea mays L.) year round and receives atrazine at a rate 1.25-1.56 kg ha -1 . Topsoil (0-15 cm), subsoil (15-30 cm), soil sediment and stream water were collected from 15 stations during the rainy season (August-November 2008). The analytical results revealed that topsoil and subsoil of the upland soils were mostly sandy clay loam, with pH 5.0, low CEC (average 13.30 and 9.75 cmol kg -1 , respectively), low clay content (23.60 and 25.10%, respectively) and low organic matter (1.78 and 1.45%, respectively). Topsoil at the amount of 80% of the total 48 samples contained atrazine, with the 133.59 µg kg -1 average concentration, while 83.33% of the total 50 samples of subsoil was contaminated with atrazine at the average concentration of 183.23 µg kg -1 . Furthermore, 71.76% of the sediment samples were found to contain atrazine at the average concentration of 27.42 µg kg -1 . The soil sediment samples were mostly sand and had a low clay content (4.02%), low organic matter (0.45%), low CEC (4.36 cmolkg -1 ) and pH of 6.5. Stream water samples at the amount of 63.33% of all samples were contaminated with atrazine from the cultivated area with the average atrazine concentration of 4.7 µg L -1 . The stream water as many as 15 samples (39.47% of the total samples) contained atrazine in levels higher than the standard limit of atrazine concentration in drinking water set by USEPA at 3 µg L -1 . Atrazine in the upland soil was 4.87-fold higher than that in the soil sediment and 39fold higher than that in the stream water. Additionally, the content of atrazine in the soil sediment was 5.87-fold higher than that in the stream water. Overall, the contents of atrazine could be ranked in the following order: subsoil > topsoil > soil sediment > stream water. The results revealed that atrazine was transported from upland soils into the aquatic environment by adsorption, run-off and leaching processes.

Effects of low night temperature and short day length on some phytohormones and nutrient status in Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep.

Abstract: The effects of low night temperature (LNT) and short day length (SDL) on the plant growth, phytohormone concentration and nutrient status in leaves, rhizomes and storage roots of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep at the flowering stage were studied In the first experiment, plants were grown under controlled conditions of 30 /24 ° C (day/night temperature: DT/NT) or under low night temperature conditions of 30/18 ° C with 13 h day length and 11 h night length In the second experiment, plants were grown with either a 13 h long day length or an 11 h short day length under the temperature conditions of 30/24 ° C The humidity and light levels in both experiments were maintained at 70-80% RH and 270 µmol m -2 s -1 , respectively The LNT treatment decreased the dry weight of leaves, the number of shoots per a cluster, spike length, flower stalk length and percent flowering, and it delayed the flowering date The concentrations of ABA and t-ZR were affected differently by distinct environmental condition LNT treatment did not affected ABA concentration in all the plant parts, but it decreased only t-ZR in rhizomes and storage roots In contrast, SDL treatment induced only high ABA in leaves and t-ZR in underground organs The LNT treatment also decreased N and P contents of rhizomes and N and K contents of leaves The SDL treatment reduced the N, P and K accumulation in all parts, except for the P accumulation in storage roots The results indicate that hormonal and nutritional changes were at least partially induced by LNT and SDL treatments, leading to different growth and development in this plant

Impact of dyeing unit effluent on nutrient content of index leaf of Arachis hypogaea L. and Sacharum officinarum L.

Abstract: Effluents from dyeing industrial units of Nagari in Andhra Pradesh, India were sampled at different distances along the effluent drain. The analysis of nutrients in dyeing effluent revealed that the concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Mg were conspicuously high near the effluent drain compared to those away from it. The nutrients Ca, Mg and K were abundant in these effluents. It is observed that metal and nutrient contents in the index leaves of commercial crops groundnut and sugarcane. Nutrients are N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were row in the immediate vicinity of the streams as compared to Satravada and Ekamabarakupam respectively. The lower nutrient content of index leaves in respect of all the crops might be due to unfavorable physical and chemical environment in the soils which would have resulted in less absorption of the nutrients by the plants.

Seasonal and habitat-specific differences in soil insect abundance from organic crops and natural forest at the Ang Khang royal agricultural station, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Abstract: Soil organisms play an integral role in decomposition and nutrient cycling, but pesticides and artificial irrigation from agriculture can kill soil organisms and thereby compromise the vital ecosystem services that they provide. Organic farming practices are known to alleviate the native effect of agriculture on soil insects. Soil insect abundance was examined in a variety of organic farms and in natural forest in northern Thailand using pitfall traps. More than 7,000 insects were collected and sorted to order. Soil insect abundance varied significantly with season, treatment, and agricultural crop. Insects were most abundant in Asian pear (AP), hill evergreen forest (HF), Chinese teas (CT), strawberries (ST), Asian maple trees (MT) and vegetables for human consumption (VH). Collembola were most abundant in most treatments, and ants were disproportionately common in samples from treatments with trees. There were more insects in the wet seasons than in the dry season in all treatments. Collembola, Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera differed significantly among different treatments, but Diptera did not.

The Germination of Corn Weed (Rottboellia cochinchinensis lour clayton) Seed: Induction and Prevention of Germination in Seed

Abstract: In Nigeria, Rottboellia cochinchinensis commonly referred to as corn weed has plagued many crops. The control of this weed proved difficult due to the periodic nature of its germination coupled with associated seed dormancy. Trials conducted at the University of Ilorin, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwara State, Nigeria investigated the response of fresh, and old corn weed seeds to various length of soaking (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours) in de-ionized water, and in extracts obtained from the soaking of fresh seeds. The trials also investigated the response of corn weed seeds to various placement methods (horizontal, upright, inverted), and depths (0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 7.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 and 20.0 cm). Soaking fresh seeds in deionized water led to significant increase in germination. When extracts from the soaking of fresh seeds were used in soaking old seeds for 11-hours, germination was depressed compared to the control treatment. Based on the out comes of the various trials, it was concluded that while flooding of farmland may reduce germination of old corn weed seeds, it will improve germination of fresh seeds. In addition, that, deep plough during land preparation could help reduce corn weed germination.

Effect of storage, size of nut and soaking length on sprout emergence in cashew.

Abstract: Study carried out at the Kogi State University, Faculty of Agriculture, Anyigba in the Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone, Nigeria investigated the response of sprouting in cashew nut to storage length, nut size, nut soaking and their interactions. Three storage periods (0, 2 and 4 weeks), nut size (large, medium and small) and four soaking periods (0, 12, 24 and 36 hours) were investigated. Contrary to the non significant (p>0.05) effect of nut storage on days to sprout emergence, nut size significantly (p<0.05) influenced days to sprout emergence, with the least days to nut sprouting observed in small nuts, while large nuts were the last to sprout. Sprout also responded positively to soaking length. Interaction effects revealed significant interactions between nut storage and nut size; nut storage and nut soaking; nut size and nut soaking on sprouting in cashew. Pre-soaking nuts in water for 24 or 36 hours before sowing was observed to give the best result for soaking treatment. Pre-soaking nuts for 24 to 36 hours is therefore recommended for farmers involved in raising cashew crop, as this gave the least mean day to sprout emergence.

Packaging development to support export supply chain of mangosteen fruit

Abstract: The changes of the quality of mangosteen fruits for export market occur during the distribution handling from production center to the shipment port and then to the destination market countries. This research was carried out to develop optimum packaging design of mangosteen fruit for export market using corrugated carton material which enable to be stacked in maximum load. The result showed that compressive strength of C-flute packaging type with inner package was 474.5 kgf, while the BC-flute packaging type was 663.2 kgf. The maximum stacking was determined based on the capacity, compressive strength of packaging and safety/environment factor in ASTM D4269 standards. The designated packaging of C-flute and BC-flute type could be maximally stacked up to 29 units and 35 units of packaged fruits, respectively. Compressive strength decreased higher under storage at 13 o C (RH approximately at 90-95%) than 8 o C with 60-75% RH i.e. 40.04-41.64% and 6.7530.31%, respectively. Mechanical damage symptom occurred in C-flute type with 2x2 and 2x3 inner model during transportation was broken calyx at 1.39 and 1.67%, respectively. Packaging model under different capacity did not significantly influence firmness and TSS but significantly influence weight loss.

Micromorphological Characteristic of Soils on the Nam Phong and Khon Buri Catenae, Northeast Thailand

Abstract: On the basis of data from two soil catenae the relationships between the micromorphological characteristic of soils is discussed as well as the genesis of the soil minerals. Thin section analysis combined with analytical scanning electron microscopy was employed in this study. X-ray diffraction was used to identify mineral components. In the Nam Phong catena soils on the upper part are derived from colluvium of sandstone underlain by meta-sedimentary rock whereas the toeslope soil is derived from a fine grained sedimentary rock, possibly shale. For the Khon Buri catena all soils are formed on colluvium over residuum derived from weathered basalt. For the Nam Phong catena, a bridged grain structure is the main microstructure of summit and shoulder soils, single grain structure is well expressed in midslope and footslope soils, and subangular blocky structure is predominant in the toeslope soil. The coarse material is mainly quartz grains, runi-quartz, polycrystalline quartz and chert, few sandstone rock fragments and chacedony, and rare anhedral zircon and tourmaline. A thick microlaminated ferri-argillan coating is evident in the 2C-horizon along with angular and large subangular quartz grains. This assemblage of materials indicates that there is a discontinuity of parent materials between the shoulder and midslope positions. For the Khon Buri catena, crumb and granular are the major microstructures of the crest soil. Subangular blocky structure is the main microstructure for backslope and footslope soils. The coarse materials of soils on this catena are mainly quartz grains, common runi-quartz and rare zircon and weathered pyroxene. In addition, highly weathered basalt rock fragments occur in the soils on the backslope and footslope positions, with amounts increasing with depth. Micromorphological features of soils in the lowest positions of catenae are thus different from those of upslope soils except for the minerals in coarse fraction. For both catenae the clay fraction consists mainly of kaolin, hematite and goethite for upslope soils and 2:1 clay minerals for lowland soils. Kaolin-iron oxide clay coats pore walls and quartz grains in upslope soils indicating illuviation and eluviation. The matrix of upslope soils is characterized by a high degree of homogeneity, a red to reddish yellow color and undifferentiated b-fabric. The yellow groundmass of soils at the lowest positions contains much 2:1 clay mineral together with carbonate nodules reflecting the high pH of these soils.

Static Headspace GC-MS Analysis for Evaluation of Oxidative Stability in Rice Bran

Abstract: A technique based on static headspace (SHS) analysis was applied to evaluate the major volatile compounds, which causes off-flavor in rice bran samples. This method can be carried out using small amount of sample and short total analysis time as compared with peroxide value method. Rice bran samples in Thailand were analyzed using peroxide value (PV) by standard methods and headspace analysis, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to test oxidative stability. Correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis of the data revealed a relation between PV and headspace concentration of the volatile lipid oxidation products hexanal (R 2 =0.796) and 2-pentylfuran (R=0.764). It was shown that both methods are related to rancidity evaluation of rice bran samples and SHS-GC-MS technique can be used as alternative measurement of oxidative stability in rice bran. Keywords: static headspace analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, peroxide value, rice bran, rancidity evaluation

Virulence of four new strains of entomopathogenic nematodes from Thailand against second instar larva of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Abstract: Four new entomopathogenic nematode strains from Thailand were evaluated for virulence against the second instar larva of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica in laboratory bioassays. Heterorhabditis indica strains MP17 and MP111 and Heterorhabditis sp. strain MP68 showed higher virulence toward P. japonica than Steinernema minuta strain MP10. Based on the LC50 (lethal nematode concentration for 50% larval mortality) value MP111 strain was the most virulent with only 136 nematode infective juveniles (IJs) required for 50% larval mortality at 5 days after treatment whereas 199, 254 and 501 IJs were required for MP68, MP17 and MP10 strain, respectively. Also, LT50 (lethal time in days for 50% larval mortality) values at 100 IJs/larva revealed that MP111 killed grubs faster (7.4 days) than MP68 (9.4 days) followed by MP17 (10.5 days) and MP10 (15.7 days), respectively. At a concentration of 1,000 IJs/larva the MP111 strain caused the highest total larval mortality (84.81%) which was higher than MP17 (72.15%), MP68 (72.15%), and MP10 (36.71%), respectively at 5 days after treatment. We conclude that the MP111 strain of H. indica was the most virulent against the Japanese beetle second instar larva.

Improvement of sexual propagation in sugar palm (Tao) (Arenga westerhoutii Griff.) seeds.

Abstract: Three seedling establishment methods were investigated during October 2005 -June 2007 in Pha Thong community forest, Nan province, Thailand contributed to an increment in the number of the sugar palm or Tao (Arenga westerhoutii Griff.). Treatments tested were: seed scarification, seedling transplanting age, and seedling fertilization. Trimming both ends of 36-month seeds not only gave high percentage of germination and short germination period, but also provided easier seed remove out of the fruit. Transplanting of seedlings with one leaf offered the highest survival percentage. Moreover, cutting the leaf by two-thirds and frequent watering further increased the transplantation success rate. Applying three formulas of fertilizers on 1-3 years old seedlings gave a minor growth rate than no fertilization. Economical considerations of A. westerhoutii seedling establishment are discussed from the viewpoint of villagers.

Gender gaps in rural household heads' sources and access to agricultural resources: a case study of Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract: The study investigated gender differences in farming rural household heads’ sources and ease of access to agricultural resources with the purpose of inferring implications for food security and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria The study was conducted among 119 male and 41 female household heads selected via simple random sampling procedure Data for the study was elicited from the respondents using duly pretested and structured interview schedule Most of the Male Household Heads (MHHs) and Female Household Heads (FHHs) acquired their farmland through inheritance from their parents and husbands respectively Personal savings was the most common source of capital to both MHHs and FHHs, while bank/financial institutions served as no alternative source to the FHHs but MHHs There was no significant difference between MHHs’ and FHHs’ ease of access to major agricultural resources such as: capital, land, labor, extension services, in-organic fertilizer, herbicides, and tractor in the study area, with the exception of access to seedlings and livestock feeds Hence, involvement of women in decision making (such as in household headship) empowers them socio-economically and could contribute significantly to bridging the traditionally created gender gaps in the Nigerian socio-economic pyramid Socio-economic empowerment of women farmers through their involvement in decision making could therefore be significant to the attainment of food security and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria, where women are the majority of the agricultural workforce