Research Article
Performance and Stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids Derived from the Combination of Tropical and Temperate Lines in Burkina Faso
Tiama Siaka*
,
Dao Abdalla,
Siri Kady Yassine,
Bonkoungou Tégawendé Odette,
Traoré Lamine,
Sawadogo Mahamadou
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
20-28
Received:
12 March 2026
Accepted:
23 March 2026
Published:
30 March 2026
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the worldwide food crops and plays a fundamental role due to its importance in terms of food, economics, and industry. However, its yields in farmers’ fields in Burkina Faso are low. This is due to production of this crop has low national yields, mainly due to climate variability, and low soil fertility. It is therefore essential to create new high-yielding maize varieties that are stable and adapted to the country’s agro-climatic conditions. This study aimed to contribute to improving maize production by identifying new high-performing and stable hybrids. The plant material, consisting of 36 single-cross white hybrids derived from a half-diallel cross of nine lines were evaluated using a three-replicate alpha-lattice experimental design. Grain yield and its components were recorded during evaluation. The results showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the hybrids studied, environments and study years, as well as their interaction for most of the traits evaluated. T02058 x ELN41-1-1-4, PI601574 x T02058, and VL05616 x ELN41-1-1-4 were identified as high-performing hybrids and stable hybrids across environments. Four hybrids including, PI601574 x T02058, VL05616 x ELN41-1-1-4, PI601574 x ELN41-1-1-4, and PI601500 x T02058, recorded greater yield than the check Bondofa. Their yield advantage compared to Bondofa was at least 30%.
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the worldwide food crops and plays a fundamental role due to its importance in terms of food, economics, and industry. However, its yields in farmers’ fields in Burkina Faso are low. This is due to production of this crop has low national yields, mainly due to climate variability, and low soil fertility. It is therefor...
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Research Article
Impact of Green and Brown Bug Attacks on Cocoa Production in Gnagbodougnoa in Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
29-35
Received:
23 January 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20261402.12
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Abstract: The main known pests affecting cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire are mirids, defoliating caterpillars and stem borers. However, a study conducted in the sub-prefecture of Gnagbodougnoa in the region of Gagnoa following complaints from farmers identified the green bug, Bathycoelia thalassina, and the brown bug, Pseudotheraptus devastans, as pests of cocoa pods. The overall objective of this study is to assess the impact of attacks by these two bugs on cocoa production. The study consisted of delimiting one (1) sampling plot of one (1) hectare in three different plantations and, in each plot, five (5) 100 m² sections arranged in a W shape. In each section, all pods and cherries attacked by bugs were counted and the attack rates determined. Losses were assessed by monitoring newly pierced cherries and pods during their maturation, determining their abortion rates and the loss of mass of beans that reached maturity after the attacks. The average attack rates were 66.66% for cherries and 62% for pods. Attacked pods abort completely after two months and only fifteen (15) out of 50 attacked pods reach maturity. The attacks led to a 36.38% loss in bean mass. The impact of green and brown bug attacks on cocoa is very significant. Better management of these factors will reduce their impact on production for optimal yield.
Abstract: The main known pests affecting cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire are mirids, defoliating caterpillars and stem borers. However, a study conducted in the sub-prefecture of Gnagbodougnoa in the region of Gagnoa following complaints from farmers identified the green bug, Bathycoelia thalassina, and the brown bug, Pseudotheraptus devastans, as pests of cocoa pods...
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Research Article
Pesticide Residue in Leafy Vegetables and Hygienic Practices of Handlers in a Major Market in Ibadan, Nigeria
Dada Abiodun*,
Okareh Oladapo,
Opawade Dolapo,
Awopetu Niyi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
36-46
Received:
16 October 2025
Accepted:
25 March 2026
Published:
15 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20261402.13
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Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Leafy vegetables are a vital part of a balanced diet due to their high nutritional content, including fibre, vitamins, and minerals. However, there are concerns about the safety of the vegetables due to contamination from poor hygienic handling and pesticide residues. Major health problems associated with vegetables that contains pesticides residues are immunological suppression, hormonal changes and occurrence of different cancers. There are limited studies on the safety practices of vegetable handlers and isolated pesticides of raw and cooked vegetables. Hence, this study investigates the hygienic practices among vegetable handlers and levels of pesticide residues in a commonly consumed leafy vegetable. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design and laboratory analysis was used. Through random sampling, 80 vegetable handlers in Bodija market were selected. Data on hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices were obtained using structured questionnaires. Pesticide residues in Corchorus olitorius vegetable was analyzed using QuEChErs and Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The data was presented in mean, standard deviation, simple percentage and charts. The result was compared to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set by Codex Alimentarius Commission. Results: The study shows that 86.3% of respondents were female, and 13.8% were male. Majority of the respondents (82.5%) recognized dirty water used for washing the vegetables as a major source of contamination while 45.0% acknowledged handling with unclean hands as a risk factor, and 30.0% identified pesticides as potential contaminants. Only 65.0% noted poor hygiene could affects quality of vegetable. However, 50.0% practiced hand washing, and 83.8% saw no need to cover their vegetables. The laboratory analysis revealed that raw leafy vegetables contained 37 pesticide residues and metabolites with cyhalothrins (1.592, 2.930, and 4.069) mg/kg exceeding the MRLs of 0.7mg/kg. Whereas cooked samples contained only 19 pesticide residues and metabolites with chlorfenapyr (16.373, 4.566, 19.511, 2.228, 2.525, 2.596, 2.287, and 17.471) mg/kg exceeding the MRLs of 0.05 mg/kg. Fosetyl aluminum was within (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies in both cooked (0.043) mg/kg and raw samples (0.2, 0.1) mg/kg. Conclusion: The use of protective gear and proper vegetable covering are not consistently applied. Storage and handling conditions were suboptimal which may increasing the risk of microbial contamination. Also, pesticide residue was present in high concentration in the selected vegetable, which can cause health problems over time. This study highlights the urgent need for awareness of hygiene importance among vegetable handlers and stricter pesticide regulations in local markets.
Abstract: Introduction: Leafy vegetables are a vital part of a balanced diet due to their high nutritional content, including fibre, vitamins, and minerals. However, there are concerns about the safety of the vegetables due to contamination from poor hygienic handling and pesticide residues. Major health problems associated with vegetables that contains pest...
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