http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/62 2026-07-31T07:28:31Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31699 Title: Comparative Biodegradation of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid by Cupriavidus canpinensis and Achromobacter xylosoxidans Isolated from Rice Cultivated Soils in Kura, Kano State, Nigeria. Authors: Jahun, B.M., Yakubu, N.S., Shuaibu, A.M., Abdullahi, A.I., & Wudil, A.A Abstract: This study presents a comparative evaluation of two indigenous bacterial strains, Cupriavidus campinensis and Achromobacter xylosoxidans, isolated from rice cultivated soils in Kura Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria, for their ability to degrade 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Both isolates were previously identified and characterized using morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Their biodegradation efficiency was assessed under varying environmental conditions including pH, temperature, substrate concentration, inoculum size, and incubation time. Results revealed that both isolates effectively utilized 2,4-D as a sole carbon and energy source. Achromobacter xylosoxidans exhibited slightly higher degradation efficiency (95.38%) compared to Cupriavidus campinensis (94.69%) under optimal conditions. While both organisms showed optimal degradation at pH 7–7.5 and temperature of 40°C respectively, variations were observed in inoculum size and incubation time requirements. The findings demonstrate that both bacterial strains possess strong bioremediation potential, with Achromobacter xylosoxidans showing marginally superior performance. This comparative study highlights the importance of selecting efficient indigenous microorganisms for sustainable remediation of herbicide-contaminated environments. 2026-04-30T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31698 Title: Survey on Infestation and Damage of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Some Maize Fields in Kano, Nigeria. Authors: Bello, I.M., Shuaibu, A.M., Ashir, H.I, Jahun, B.M., & Adebola, M.O Abstract: Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), an invasive pest native to the Americas, was first reported in Africa in 2016 and has since spread to over 44 countries across the continent. To confirm its presence and assess infestation levels and damage severity in Kano State, Nigeria, a field survey was conducted in selected Local Government Areas during both the dry and rainy seasons. The survey covered maize farms in Kura, Gwarzo, Tofa and Minjibir, using a random sampling method. Results indicated higher infestation and damage severity during the dry season, with the highest infestation rate recorded in Gwarzo (96%), and followed by Kura (89%). The damage severity was highest in Kura (8.0), followed by Gwarzo (6.8) on a 9.0 scale. In the rainy season, the highest infestation and damage severity were observed in Minjibir (75%, 5.35) and Gwarzo (51%, 4.25) respectively. These findings confirm the widespread presence and significant impact of Spodoptera frugiperda in the study area. Regular surveillance, monitoring and the implementation of integrated pest management strategies are recommended to mitigate the pest`s adverse effect on maize production. The results may also inform policy decisions regarding Spodoptera frugiperda management in Kano State. 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31697 Title: Influence of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth and Suppression of Sheath Blight Caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn Authors: Shuaibu, A.M., Bello, I.M., Jahun, B.M., Daudu, OAY Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) remains one of the world’s most critical staple crops, providing the main source of dietary calories for over half of the global population. In Nigeria, as in many developing nations, demand for rice continues to rise due to rapid population expansion and shifting dietary preferences. Despite this growing demand, rice yield is still limited by numerous biotic and abiotic constraints. This study assessed the effects of phosphatesolubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the growth performance and suppression of leaf sheath blight disease in rice varieties infected with Rhizoctonia solani, the pathogen responsible for the disease. Three rice varieties Kwandala, FARO 44, and FARO 52 were subjected to single and combined inoculations of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis, in addition to negative and positive control treatments. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized block design. The findings revealed that Pseudomonas fluorescens consistently resulted in the greatest improvements in chlorophyll contents, plant height, and tiller number at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing. All phosphate-solubilizing bacteria treatments significantly lowered disease incidence and severity relative to the control, with Pseudomonas fluorescens achieving the lowest disease incidence (16%) and severity (0.94 cm), second only to the fungicide (Benlate). Significant varietal variation was also observed, as FARO 52 recorded the highest chlorophyll contents, while FARO 44 exhibited the highest plant height. Overall, phosphatesolubilizing bacteria particularly Pseudomonas fluorescens substantially enhanced rice growth and effectively mitigated leaf sheath blight infection, demonstrating their promise as environmentally sustainable bio-fertilizers and bio-control agents against sheath blight for improved rice production. 2025-12-30T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31367 Title: Influence of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth and Suppression of Sheath Blight Caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn Authors: Shuaibu, A. M.; BELLO, Ismail Mohammed; Jahun, B. M.; Daudu, O. A. Y. Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) remains one of the world’s most critical staple crops, providing the main source of dietary calories for over half of the global population. In Nigeria, as in many developing nations, demand for rice continues to rise due to rapid population expansion and shifting dietary preferences. Despite this growing demand, rice yield is still limited by numerous biotic and abiotic constraints. This study assessed the effects of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the growth performance and suppression of leaf sheath blight disease in rice varieties infected with Rhizoctonia solani, the pathogen responsible for the disease. Three rice varieties Kwandala, FARO 44, and FARO 52 were subjected to single and combined inoculations of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis, in addition to negative and positive control treatments. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized block design. The findings revealed that Pseudomonas fluorescens consistently resulted in the greatest improvements in chlorophyll contents, plant height, and tiller number at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing. All phosphate-solubilizing bacteria treatments significantly lowered disease incidence and severity relative to the control, with Pseudomonas fluorescens achieving the lowest disease incidence (16%) and severity (0.94 cm), second only to the fungicide (Benlate). Significant varietal variation was also observed, as FARO 52 recorded the highest chlorophyll contents, while FARO 44 exhibited the highest plant height. Overall, phosphate solubilizing bacteria particularly Pseudomonas fluorescens substantially enhanced rice growth and effectively mitigated leaf sheath blight infection, demonstrating their promise as environmentally sustainable bio-fertilizers and bio-control agents against sheath blight for improved rice production. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z