Beckley Ikhajiagbe- # PhD, FLS (London), FIPMD #Ecophysiology & Environmental Biotechnol.
- Professor at University of Benin
Beckley Ikhajiagbe
- # PhD, FLS (London), FIPMD #Ecophysiology & Environmental Biotechnol.
- Professor at University of Benin
Bioeconomy, Plant Ecophysiology, Sustainable Agronomy, & Remediation Biotechnology are the focus of my study.
About
290
Publications
74,507
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Introduction
As an academic and researcher, my research focus spans through Plant Ecophysiology and Environmental Restoration Biotechnology. I also have research interests in Bioeconomy, Gene-Environment Interactions; Secondary products; Cell Biology; and Biostatistical Research Applications.
I also present good mentorship capabilities. Admissibly, I have hosted a number of international exchange students through IAESTE. I welcome postgraduate and/or exchange students as well as all levels of collaborations.
Current institution
Additional affiliations
October 2020 - present
Position
- Professor (Full)
Description
- Use of variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations. Collaboration with faculty and community stakeholders for program improvement. Academic advisement Student (undergraduate and graduate) and staff mentoring Academic advisement , Experiment Design , Data collection and analysis, Academic research, Grantsmanship, lecturing, online learning tools (I have supervised over 15 PhDs during this period)
August 2001 - present
Position
- Lecturing & research (Plant and Plant-microbial processes, stress tolerance and Restoration Biology)
February 2012 - September 2014
Wellspring University
Position
- Adjunct Lecturer
Description
- I taught undergrads Cryptogamic Botany and Mushroom Biology.
Publications
Publications (290)
The overreliance on main staple yields to feed a burgeoning populace has brought about the disregard and underutilization of different leguminous (NULs) crops particularly in Africa. The significant crops don’t have the limit of giving all the supplements required to development and advancement in human, in any case, makes over 70% of consumable. T...
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) seed germination proceeds once adequate temperature and moisture content have been reached and dormancy is broken. Seed priming is a technique in which seeds are hydrated (control hydration) and dried to their original moisture content while preventing radicle emergence. The study aims to investigate...
Modification of physiological processes may be used to offset the negative effects of gravity on plant growth and development. This study was set up to assess the efficacy of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in improving the germination characteristics of Oryza sativa var. Nerica in microgravity. The seeds were primed with...
The use of calcium carbide (CaC2) to ripen Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck and other non-climacteric fruit is prevalent in parts of the Global South. However, little to no information exists about the potential effects and risks associated with such practices. Hence, it is necessary to determine if contaminants like arsenic that are associated with CaC...
Background
Rice forms a significant portion of food consumed in most household worldwide. Rice production has been hampered by soil factors such as ferruginousity which has limited phosphorus availability; an important mineral component for the growth and yield of rice. The presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in soils has been reporte...
Neem (Azadirachta indica), indigenous to the subcontinent part of Indian, is esteemed for its remarkable versatility and extensive health benefits. The tree contents abundant natural antioxidants and possesses significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to thoroughly investigate and evaluate the diverse applications...
This Experiment was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology experimental field with the aim of determining the growth and yield potential of groundnut Arachis hypogaea exposed to Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS) at different water regimes. EMS solution was prepared in 100ml of distilled water for the groundnut seeds at 0.10%,...
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potentials of previously isolated and characterized phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) [Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Proteus mirabilis strain TL14-1, and Klebsiella variicola strain AUH-KAM-9] with plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities on growth properties of rice plants under ferruginous ult...
Soil is the solid part of the Earth’s crust and our storehouse for nutrients that support the plant’s growth, human existence, and the ecosystem biodiversity. The pollution of the soil environment daily arises from the continuous quest for industrialization and civilization, which result in the discharge of wastes into the soil environment. This ch...
Effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) rhizo-inoculation on soil physico-chemical, bacterial community structure and root colonization of rice (Oryza sativa L. var. FARO 44) grown in ferruginous ultisol conditions ABSTRACT Ferruginicity is a special condition when soil became rich in iron. This condition is characterized by high pH and r...
Purpose: In order to reduce food insecurity, the use of organic fertilizers is steadily gaining traction in crop development, especially in areas where the continued use of inorganic fertilizers poses serious environmental problems in addition to being extremely expensive for local farmers. The study looked at how Amaranthus hybridus responded to b...
This chapter aims to highlight the impacts of air pollution. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental problem with significant implications for human health, ecosystems, and global climate. Examining the impacts of poor air quality on society will help develop a comprehensive understanding of air pollution and work toward a cleaner and healthier...
In treating preeclampsia-induced wistar rats, this study examined the effects of methanolic plant extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii, respectively, on the evaluation of HELLP syndrome. Fifteen sets of age-matched female Wistar rats were employed, with one serving as a control group. The Adriamycin Model was used...
Plant-based nanoparticles offer sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional methods, promising antibacterial properties in the face of antibiotic resistance and addressing global health concerns. Five urine and stool samples were collected from the Benin Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, and sent to the Wellspring University Resea...
Highlights • The paper focuses on the growth of certain localized and enhanced germplasms of Bambara groundnut • The productivity of various localized and enhanced types of Bambara groundnut • Also, heritability estimates for the localized and enhanced varieties of the legume considered. Article Info Abstract The current investigation demonstrated...
The current investigation demonstrated that all the seeds taken into consideration generally had different varietal characteristics with the exception of several growth characteristics, notably the stem girth where the improved varieties outperformed the local Bambara nuts. The local Bambara nut varieties (Jan Iri) had the highest parameters measur...
The assessment of media for invitro culture of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) was carried out with a view to achieving possible successful in vitro culture of coconut palm. To optimize local environmental factors and achieve the best possible outcome with coconut culture, the research involved scouring a vast amount of literature for crop in vitr...
Soil pH not only plays a regulatory role in seed germination but also influences seedling development, flowering, and crop yield. The study investigated the germination characteristics of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] under varying pH to understand the potential ameliorative effects of seed priming using plant growth-promoting substances....
This study investigated the influence of soil pH variation on weed development originating from soil seed banks. Soil samples were subjected to distinct pH concentrations of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The objective was to ascertain the effects of varying pH levels on weed species' development and diversity, thereby shedding light on potential implications...
The growth of nanotechnology and its applications has improved agricultural activities in diverse ways. One of the most challenging factors in modern day agriculture is weed infestation. Farmers in order to solve these issues have considered the use of synthetic herbicides, which has caused serious environmental concern over the years. For this pur...
Raw palm oil mill effluent contains a high quantity of organic matter that confers a high amount of biological oxygen
demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) on it. Untreated palm oil mill effluent (POME) causes pollution of
the environment affecting microorganisms, plants, and humans. The study investigated the biotreatment capabilities of...
The current investigation demonstrated that all the seeds taken into consideration generally had different varietal characteristics with the exception of several growth characteristics, notably the stem girth where the improved varieties outperformed the local Bambara nuts. The local Bambara nut varieties (Jan Iri) had the highest parameters measur...
Understanding the phenotypic variation of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) can facilitate sustainable utilization and support protein security goals. This study aimed to investigate the existence and level of seed phenotypic variations within and among three local cultivars of cowpea, namely Ife Brown, Ekpoma Local, and Sokoto White in Edo State, Souther...
Herbal medicines are increasingly being used during pregnancy and little is known of their potential teratogenic effect. The present study is therefore designed to investigate the teratogenic effects of methanol extracts ofthree medicinal plants; Jatropha curcas, Alchornea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii in Wistar rats. The animals were administer...
This chapter focuses on the ethnomedicinal values of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae)) as well as the nutritional and phytochemical properties of the plant. The chapter discusses ongoing pharmacognostic and clinical research works on the plant as well as herbal products containing bitter leaf or its active ingredients, toxicity...
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Moench is an important crop that is predominantly produced in the Nothern part of Nigeria. However, the challenge of desertification has consistently affected the soil pH, hindering the growth and yield of the crop. Soil pH plays a significant regulatory role in seed germination. This study investigated the germination...
Agrochemicals are crucial for boosting crop productivity and safeguarding plants from insect infestations. The current use of agrochemicals in inorganic farming practices is becoming inevitable owing to the projected explosion of the world population in 2050. The negative impact of agrochemicals on the ecosystem and ecological function has been gen...
Azadirachta indica is reported to be a species that appears in different forms both in the cultivated and wild habitats. The plant species tend to record varying forms in various agroclimatic zones, in its young state and also when fully matured and in the pattern of its growth, in the products it produces as well as its genetic make of this study...
Fruit farming has a considerable impact on international trade, environmental security, and food security. Regardless of their One Health impact, the ageless practice of chemical-based fruit ripening is still commonplace in fruit production because it is essential for making fruits available for market and consumption. Certain fruits require a comb...
Nearly all nations in the globe have been impacted by COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus infection brought on by new SARS-Cov-2, which has been dubbed a global pandemic. Contact with sick people and handling contaminated surfaces are the main ways that coronavirus is disseminated. However, as of July 2020, it had impacted more than 33 million...
This study investigated the possibility of using phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities to improve the growth properties of rice plants under ferruginous ultisol (FU) conditions through bio-priming. The following PSB with PGP properties were used in this study: Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Proteus mi...
The study was aimed at achieving possible successful in vitro culture of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) Four (4) modified Eeuwensmedia were identified and augmented with various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins). Non-chlorophyllous immature leaves and immature inflorescences of coconut served as ex...
The comparative effects of sodium azide (NaN3) and hydroxyl ammoniumhydrochloride (NH2OH.HCl) on the growth and yield parameters of therice varieties; FARO 44, FARO 52 and FARO 57 were investigated. The planting materials obtained from the National Cereal Research Institute, Badeggi, Bida, Niger State were treated with 0.004 % sodium azide and 0.25...
The comparative plant growth responses of Zea mays and Eleusine indica were monitored in this studyunder an open field experiment.Both crop and weed were grown separately on the bowls and also in a crop-weed mix. Crop-weed mix were studied in different proportions. The experiment started first by acclimatizing the E. indica on the soil for a period...
The study investigated the mycoremediation oil-polluted soilfrom Ogoniland (at the B-dere/Nabem community). The mushroom, Pleurotus tuberregium was exposed to this soil as principal remediation component. While the fungus grew undisturbed, weeds were also allowed to grow from soil seed bank.Dominant weeds identified in the study include Mariscus sp...
This research was carried out to study the various toxic effects of microplastics on commercial leafy vegetable Celosia argentea L. Plastics used in this experiment were obtained from heterogeneous sources from around different dumpsites in the University of Benin Ugbowo Campus. The plastics collected were grinded into three different bits and size...
Article type: The Earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, with strong predictions that its carrying capacity could be overstretched soon. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially gravitational balance. Since micr...
The significance of building sustainable farms has been highlighted in the search for food security. Traditional farming methods in Nigeria have resulted in low agricultural yields. Using modern technologies, such as nanotechnology, is crucial in the current circumstances to address the growing need for food crops. Such objectives have given birth...
In recent years, an increase in environmental pollution has been observed due to rapid industrialization, unsafe agricultural practices, and increased human activities on energy reservoirs. The wide use of petroleum hydrocarbon products as energy sources has contaminated the soil and the environment, thereby posing serious threats to all life forms...
Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae.) serves as a very crucial means of getting of getting oil and shown that yearly, almost 35.6 million tones is produced on 26.4 million ha. Although groundnut is majorly cultivated to be eaten by man, it is also used as desert or produced as oil, butter or other produce from it. It i of selling in many parts of Turkey be...
The comparative effects of sodium azide (NaN 3 ) and hydroxyl ammonium hydrochloride (NH 2 OH.HCl) on the growth and yield parameters of therice varieties; FARO 44, FARO 52 and FARO 57 were investigated. The planting materials obtained from the National Cereal Research Institute, Badeggi, Bida, Niger State were treated with 0.004 % sodium azide and...
Strain improvement through mutagenesis is important in the commercial development of microbial fermentation. This study aimed to produce amylase from banana (Musa sapientum) peels by using mutant Aspergillus sp. strains obtained via ultraviolet (UV) radiation and nitrous acid-based mutagenesis. Results revealed that banana peels pretreated with 0.8...
In the precolonial era, there was little or no contamination probably due to low level of industrialization. However, with the advent of civilization, natural environment began to experience alteration due to the release of pollutants into it. Bioremediation is a cleanup technique which is based on the type of organism that is being utilized or the...
It has been hypothesized that preeclampsia starts a chain reaction that reduces placental perfusion and causes extensive maternal vascular endothelium dysfunction. Due to low oxygen levels in the placenta, diminished nitric oxide synthase eventually results in low nitric oxide levels and a corresponding rise in lactate levels. The utilization of me...
Salinity is one of the most important environmental elements affecting plant growth and development. The study hypothesised that priming sorghum seed with growth stimulators alleviates salinity stress. The seeds were chemically primed for 3 hours with 50, 150, and 250 ppm of Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3), at the 3 concentratio...
Intensive poultry farming creates the ideal environment for pathogen concentration and transmission. The presence of thousands of birds in an enclosed, warm, and dusty atmosphere is ideal for the transmission of infectious diseases from birds to humans. This study was conducted to assess the indoor and outdoor air quality of different poultry types...
This study assessed the Effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, Secamone afzelii inDoxorubicin-induced hypertensive nephropathy in pregnant Wistar rats. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200mL of methanol for 12...
Improving ferruginous utisols using Eluesine indica The study is an attempt to predict land restoration through changes in plant-soil characteristics. The capacity of goosegrass (Eleusine indica L. [Gaertn.]) obtained from different land use areas in the rehabilitation and restoration of ferruginous ultisol was investigated. Fresh healthy tillers o...
The use of chewing sticks in Africa in oral care is a common practice. But how comparable its used with conventional toothpastes is a major issue especially regarding its antimicrobial capacities. The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of traditional oral care (chewing sticks, dental powders, mouth washes, tab...
Indoor air contains large number of airborne microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and their estimation is important for use as index of cleanliness for any particular environment and to determine the relation they bear on human health. This study was aimed at determining the bacteriological air quality of the living rooms in some selected Staf...
The present study investigates plant growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of young banana plant (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone (a mutagen) in a charcoal-ultisol mix. Charcoal was obtained from the wood of Pentaclethra macrophylla aerobically, and was crushed into a smooth powdered form. This was mixed with an ultisol obtaine...
The growth, development and yield of important crop plants like soybean (Glycine max) are constantly under threat by continuous inputs of cadmium in the biosphere as a result of various industrial activities. This study investigated the level to which, addition of nitrogen fertilization can enhance plant survival, growth and yield development in a...
Neem is a tropical tree that can adapt to a wide range of places and particularly to semiarid conditions. As at present, it is grown in many Asian countries and in the tropical
regions of the western hemisphere. Genetic variability and diversity are a major
requirements needed for both immediate results and the ones thereafter for the adaptation
of...
Tillage practices on soils are effective for enhancing the soil’s structure and other physicochemical components. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether tilling of oil-contaminated soils can improve the remediation efficiency of the soil. In the present study, tilling activities was principally carried out by just turning and mixin...
Pollution is a serious challenge globally owing to the adverse effects it poses. Billions of pollutants are discharged into the environment (air, soil and water). However, the application of microbes has helped to reduce the level of contamination in polluted environments as well as the employment of various other remediative strategies such as soi...
Reclamation, also known as remediation, is the process of returning adversely affected ecosystems to their previous productive state. This action in Nigeria calls for a balance between human survival and environmental sustainability, particularly at a time when the world longs for a cleaner climate. The world is the focal point of all living organi...
The intensive poultry housing system provides the ideal conditions for pathogen
proliferation and transmission. The goal of this research was to study how standard, semistandard and substandard intensive housing styles affected the air pollution and microflora of selected poultry farms in Edo State, Nigeria from December 2016 to November 2017. Air...
The study was carried out to investigate the remediative capacity of Eleusine indica in lead-polluted soil. Soil samples were collected near student hostel (hall 5) in the University of Benin. The soil samples were sun dried to constant weight and was pulverized with wooden roller and sieved with a hand sieve of 2 mm mesh size. The sieved soil was...
Improving growth and yield properties of plats has been the major aim of most researchers in plat science field. Several strategies have been suggested in order to sustainably improve crop yield. Among these strategies is biopriming, has gained the highest attention being the most effective strategy. Biopriming is a technique involving pre-soaking...
The aim of the study was to investigate efficient sterilization methods for reducing microbial contamination and phenolic compound of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) leaf culture. The non-chlorophyllous immature coconut leaves explant used were taken from unopened spear leaves tissue of the coconut seedling, from the apical growing regions close to the...
Poultry farmers and birds are exposed to poultry dust which is a byproduct of commercial poultry production. It increases the chances of developing serious respiratory conditions. Adult male Wistar rats were used in this study due to their stable hormonal status to investigate the effect of poultry dust (PM10) on the biochemical, haematological and...
Phosphorus is a major growth-llimiting nutrient which plays important biochemical role in living system. It is widely distributed in minerals as phosphates. It reacts easily with Fe3+ in ferruginous ultisols and therefore not bioavailable for plant usage. Many bacteria have the ability to solubilize phosphate minerals and make it bioavailable to pl...
Vigna unguiculata, also known as a 'cowpea,' is a crop of numerous varieties. In Benin City,
Nigeria, three common varieties include “Ife Brown”, “Ekpoma Local”, and “Sokoto White”.
Being a very common delicacy and perhaps a very cheap source of protein for the populous,
it is sold in nearly all available open markets. The crop is mainly consign...
The growth, development and yield of important crop plants like soybean ( Glycine max ) are constantly under threat by continuous inputs of cadmium in the biosphere as a result of various industrial activities. This study investigated the level to which, addition of nitrogen fertilization can enhance plant survival, growth and yield development in...
The earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, predicting that its carrying capacity could be overstretched. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially gravitational balance. Since microgravity impedes plant developme...
The research investigated the possibility of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities to improve growth properties of rice plant under ferruginous ultisol (FU) condition through bio-priming strategy. The PSB with PGP properties used in this research were Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Proteus mirabilis s...
Neem is a tropical tree that can adapt to a wide range of places and particularly to semi- arid conditions. As at present, it is grown in many Asian countries and also in the tropical regions of the western hemisphere. Genetic variability and diversity are a major requirement needed for both immediate results and the one ones thereafter adaptation...
The study was carried out to investigate the remediative capacity of Eleusine indica in lead-polluted soil. Soil samples were collected near student hostel (hall 5) in the University of Benin. The soil samples were sun dried to constant weight and was pulverized with wooden roller and sieved with a hand sieve of 2 mm mesh size. The sieved soil was...
The commercial importance of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has attracted breeders to increase its seed yield using various breeding approach. Adverse soil factors however hampered progress made in crop development, especially micronutrient toxicity. Plant growth stimulators (PGS) have a significant role in enhancing growth parameters in Sor...
The present study investigates plant growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of young banana plant (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone (a mutagen) in a charcoal-ultisol mix. Charcoal was obtained from the wood of Pentaclethra macrophylla aerobically, and was crushed into a smooth powdered form. This was mixed with an ultisol obtaine...
Background
The research investigated the possibility of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities to improve growth properties of rice plant under ferruginous ultisol (FU) condition through rhizo-inoculation strategy. The PSB with PGP properties used in this research were Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Pr...
The research investigated the possibility of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities to improve growth properties of rice plant under ferruginous ultisol (FU) condition through rhizo-inoculation strategy. The PSB with PGP properties used in this research were Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Proteus mirab...
The present study investigated the accumulation of selected HMs by Chromolaena odorata and the concomitant effects on leaf anatomical features. Top soils were collected from a marked plot and pooled together to obtain a composite sample. The soil was sun-dried to constant weight and measured into experimental pots at 20kg each). The pots were divid...
Odenore et al. (2021)
Validation and development of molecular markers for the shell variation in oil palm fruit
Nigerian Journal of Palms and Oil Seeds, 19: 19 - 28
The study accessed the lipid ratios in preeclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha cacus, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200ml of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determin...
Crude oil contamination is known to cause unwholesome damage to man, his environment comprising of soil, air and water bodies as well as other forms of life. This study determined the effect of crude oil polluted soils on the composition of different microorganisms and plants and the growth of Pleurotus tuberregium. Oil polluted soils in bowls were...
Heavy metal contents and plant distribution inhabiting 3 selected abattoir dumpsites in Warri City, Nigeria, was investigated in this study. These were located at Osubi, (05° 35′ 50″ N, 05° 49′ 10″ E), Agbarho (5 o 35′ 00″ N, 5 o 52′ 00″ E) and along Warri-Sapelle Road (5 o 35′ 00″ N, 5 o 50′ 15″ E). Activities within these dumpsites included disca...
This chapter discusses the potential application of Cocus nucifera (Coconut) in bioremediation to sustainably improve soil health. Environmental pollution over the years has adversely affected agricultural soils leading to low yield and food insecurity. Conventional and physical methods have proven expensive and ineffective. The potential use of co...
The use of plant–microbial interactions in mitigating the effect of toxic waste in the environment has increased tremendously as a result of the high success rate. This could be attributed to various survival mechanisms of plants–microbes in contaminated environment. However, important factors such as plants ability to produce biomass, active root...
Questions
Question (1)
There are a couple of sophisticated methods for confirming if nanoparticle has been synthesized using standard protocol exist; including the use of scanning electron microscopy. Unfortunately I don't have that in my Lab (very expensive). I have seen a couple of methods which rely on comparing plots of absorption readings from UV-VIS Spec (this I have in the Lab).
Could you shed more light on this procedure and add a reference to follow? I would really need to teach my students this methods very accurately.
thanks
