Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food Ecology, and Natural Resource Systems

Nutritional and Quality Characterization of Noodles from Wheat-Water Yam (Dioscorea alata) Flour Blend

Comfort Chinenye Nwagbo — 2026-05-01

The nutritional inadequacy of conventional wheat-based noodles, characterized by low dietary fibre, limited micronutrient density, and a high glycaemic profile, poses a growing public health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. Water yam (Dioscorea alata) is a nutritionally rich indigenous tuber crop with documented therapeutic properties, yet it remains substantially underutilized in noodle product development. This study assessed the proximate composition, mineral and vitamin contents, cooking properties, and colour characteristics of noodles formulated from wheat-water yam composite flour at three substitution levels. Noodles were prepared at wheat-to-water yam flour ratios of 70:30 (D), 80:20 (E), and 90:10 (F), with 100% wheat flour as the control. Standard AOAC methods were used for proximate and mineral analyses; HPLC was used to quantify vitamins; cooking yield and loss were assessed gravimetrically; and colour parameters were measured colorimetrically. Composite noodles exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein (up to 14.50 g/100g), crude fibre (up to 5.48 g/100g), ash, and total fat compared with the control. All mineral parameters, such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and sodium, were markedly elevated across composite blends. B-complex vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B9) and vitamin A were substantially enriched relative to the control. Cooking yield declined with increasing yam flour substitution, while cooking loss increased. Colour analysis indicated progressive darkening and reduced lightness with higher water yam flour incorporation. Wheat-water yam composite noodles at 70:30 (Sample D) demonstrated the most favourable nutritional profile, while Sample F (90:10) showed the most acceptable cooking loss profile. These findings support the use of water yam flour as a functional ingredient for producing nutritionally enhanced noodles

Evaluation of some growth and yield parameters of eight varieties of Watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) in Nsugbe area of Anambra State Nigeria

Chidi Uzoma Arubalueze — 2026-05-19

A field experiment was carried out in the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons to assess some growth and yield parameters of eight varieties of water melon (Biggie, Koloss, Charleston gray, Kaolack, Crimson Sweet, Lagoon, sugar baby and sweet Sangria) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Education, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe Anambra State Nigeria. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of eight treatments replicated three times. Data were collected on Vine Length, Number of leaves, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield were collected at physiological maturity. The result of the study showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the different varieties evaluated on the growth and yield parameters. The result of the two-year evaluation indicated that Biggie variety was superior at 4 and 8 weeks in the parameters tested with mean vine length of 140cm and 286cm respectively, mean number of leaves 26 and 58 respectively; mean fruit length of 40cm and 42 cm respectively; mean fruit girth of 36cm and 38cm respectively, mean fruit weight of 6.6 kg and 6.8kg respectively and fruit yield of 66 and 68 tons/ha. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that farm in the study area grow biggie variety for increase growth & yield of water melon.

Nutritional composition of A. heterophyllus, A. altilis and A. camansi

Ebele Josephine Ikwuanusi — 2026-06-14

This study investigated the nutritional composition of the leaves and stems of Artocarpus heterophyllus, Artocarpus altilis, and Artocarpus camansi with a view to assessing their nutritional potential. Fresh plant materials were collected from Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, and authenticated by a plant taxonomist. Proximate analyses were conducted using standard AOAC procedures to determine moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate, and dry matter contents. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that the leaves of the three species generally contained higher levels of fat, ash, carbohydrate, protein, and dry matter than their respective stems. In A. heterophyllus, the leaf recorded higher fat (2.39%), ash (12.77%), carbohydrate (18.40%), protein (4.56%), and dry matter (42.66%), while the stem had higher moisture (58.55%) and fibre (25.12%). Similar trends were observed in A. altilis, where the leaf contained higher fat (2.25%), ash (13.55%), carbohydrate (22.99%), protein (4.15%), and dry matter (44.74%), whereas the stem exhibited higher moisture (58.62%) and fibre (26.65%). In A. camansi, the leaf showed higher moisture (62.26%), fat (2.46%), ash (13.30%), carbohydrate (21.45%), and protein (4.72%), while the stem had higher fibre (25.05%) and dry matter (40.47%). The study concluded that the leaves of the three Artocarpus species possess superior nutritional qualities compared with the stems and may serve as valuable sources of nutrients for food, feed, and nutraceutical applications.

Plastics production, environmental menace and recycling-A review

Emeka Ignatius Okeke — 2026-07-04

Plastic waste has now become a global issue, causing widespread concern about its impact on our oceans and our well-being. Plastic waste has exacerbated the environmental problem in several developing countries, including Nigeria. Growing human population, economic progress, and urbanization have exacerbated waste management and generation issues. This review paper, on the other hand, examines the environmental issues associated with plastic waste. It also identifies the parameters that will promote long-term plastic waste management.