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The level of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in University of Lagos, Akoka campus was investigated using the moss Dicranum scorparium Hedw. Moss samples were collected from unplastered perimeter walls and rock surfaces at ten sampling sites labeled AJ: UBA Park (A), Ransome Kuti (B). Makama Hall (C), Faculty of Law (D), Moremi Car Park (E), Medical Centre (F), Ozoluwa BQs (G), High Rise Buildings (H), Honors Hall (I), Lagoon Front (J). A control sampling was done at First Estate, Amuwo-Odofin LGA. The concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Perkin Elmer AA 800. The results obtained confirmed the presence of heavy metal in this order Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni. The concentration of Zn, Cd and Pb were greater than the FME and UNEP threshold limiting values. The analysis of the anthropogenic influence of the pollutants on the environment revealed that Zn (4.24mg/L) despite its highest abundance is a moderate contaminant in the study locations. Contamination factor (CF) suggests that locations B, D, F, G and J are seriously contaminated (C5) while locations A, C, E, H, and I are extremely contaminated (C6). The index of geo-accumulation revealed that all the studied locations are in the Igeo7 category indicating extremely pollution with the assayed metals. The difference in the occurrence of anthropogenic activities was seen to be the major factor responsible for the variations in the concentration of heavy metals accumulated by the mosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of any hybridization outcome in cowpea is dependent on temperature and humidity, which affect flower initiation, pollen fertility and pod setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) favorable for a successful hybridization outcome in selected cowpea accessions. A total of 512 reciprocal crosses were made between TVu 11953 and Ife Brown cowpea accessions, in the mornings (299 crosses) and evenings (213 crosses). In 2014, 115 crosses were made in the morning, and 71 in the evening. In 2015, 184 crosses were made in the morning and 142 in the evening. Relative to pod set, the morning crosses were significantly more successful (18.73% success; n = 56) than evening crosses (4.69% success; n = 10), regardless of the mother plant (χ2 = 32.06, p < 0.01). Although pod set differed between mother plants significantly (χ2 = 17.28, p < 0.01), 71.03% viable hybrid seeds were obtained following hybridization. Hybridization outcomes were also significantly influenced by the interactions between genotype, temperature and humidity in the study. Temperature ranging from 26.8°C to 27.9°C and humidity from 82% to 86.4% were favorable for pod set. Utmost attention, therefore, should be given to temperature and humidity for achieving success in making intraspecific crosses in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study was carried out of members of the genus Placodiscus represented in West Africa and Cameroon, in order to present complementary data on adequate recognition of the species. A total of thirteen species were assessed based on quantitative and qualitative macro-morphological and foliar epidermal characters. The findings have shown that the distinctive characters of the species are chiefly quantitative and vary greatly between the species. Hence, they serve as useful characters for delimitation of the species. A systematic description and a descriptive key for identification of the studied species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebites are a major health concern in rural Nigeria which have led to high mortality and suffering in victims due to lack of basic social amenities, ill-equipped hospitals, costly treatments and distance to hospitals. An alternative to treat snakebites is the utilization of herbal invigorating plants however traditional knowledge about plants used for snakebites is not well documented and is rapidly disappearing. Here, we present an ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used for treating snakes bites by the people of southern Benue, mainly the Idoma people. Our survey recorded 18 plant species, belonging to 11 families, used to treat snakebites. The family Fabaceae is represented by 5 species, Annonaceae, Connaraceae and Malvaceae had two useful species each, while the remaining families had only one species each. The leaves were the most utilized plant parts (55.6%), followed by bark (5.5%), seeds (5.5%), roots (27.8%) and whole plant (5.5%). The reported species are mostly administered topically onto the bitten area, sometimes the leaves or barks are chewed, and plant extracts/decoctions are drunk to neutralize snake venom. The need to subject the identified plant species to phytochemical validation and physiochemical tests is imperative to contribute to cost-effective snake antivenom in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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