New agroecological practices propose to manage soil fertility using soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of plantain mycorrhization and metal (Fe²+ and Al³+) solubilisation in soil. This study evaluates the effectiveness of native AMF on plantain growth and metal leaching from soil. Trap plants (maize, sorghum and cowpea) were grown to produce various inoculums. Then, plantains were grown under controlled conditions, with six treatments ...

In Benin, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important polyphagous noctuid pest. This study aimed to assess the impact of agricultural practices on the abundance of this pest and determine whether its feeding preference and larval development differ among four cereal types. First, we conducted a descriptive survey of 80 farmers randomly selected for farm visits and oral interviews using a structured questionnaire to ascertain their preferred agricultural practices ...

The baobab tree is an underutilised indigenous fruit tree in sub-Saharan Africa which, at the same time is vulnerable to overexploitation in areas close to centres of demand, as currently baobab use is limited to wild, baobab trees. Baobab seedlings are known to form root tubers, but little is known about their growth characteristics and its yield potential. This study aims to investigate the root tuber and leaf development of baobab seedlings grown from seeds of five provenances, sown at three different planting ...

Medicinal plants are used in animal feeding as natural antimicrobial to improve nutrient utilisation and health status of animals. This study assessed the effects of varying concentration of Petiveria alliacea leaf extract (PLE) on fermentation parameters, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilisation and faecal worm egg count of growing West African dwarf goats. Twenty- four (24) growing West African dwarf bucks with average body weight of 8.50 ± 0.55 kg were divided into four treatment groups with six bucks each ...