Yellow passion fruit, consumed mainly as juice in many parts of the world, is an emerging fruit c... more Yellow passion fruit, consumed mainly as juice in many parts of the world, is an emerging fruit crop in southeastern Nigeria. Farmers need vigorous seedlings for optimum performance in the field. For such, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of poultry manure (PM) rates on seedling development and juvenile growth of yellow passion fruit. Two yellow passion fruit genotypes ('KPF-4' and 'Conventional') received five poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha). The experiment was laid out as a split plot in completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The result revealed that the early seedling growth performance of the two genotypes did not statistically (P>0.05) vary. On the other hand, there was a progressive increase in the growth parameters with increasing rate of PM. Specifically, the application of 20 t/ha PM produced tallest seedlings, broadest stems and highest number of leaves in the first five weeks after PM application. However, most vigorous vines (vine length, number of leaves, fresh weights of leaves, shoots, roots) and highest accumulation of dry matter were produced by KPF-4 vines grown with 40 t/ha PM although these did not vary significantly with values recorded with 20 t/ha PM application. In view of the economics of fertilizer use, it was recommended to apply poultry manure at 20 t/ha during nursery in the study area.
Growth performance and nutrient quality of three Moringa oleifera accessions grown as potherbs un... more Growth performance and nutrient quality of three Moringa oleifera accessions grown as potherbs under varied manure rates and watering intervals were investigated at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The treatments included three accessions of Moringa (Awo-Anaekpa, Idere and Kano), three pig manure rates (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) and three watering intervals (3, 4 and 5 days). These were laid out as 3 x 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design, replicated three times. Results showed that seeds of Awo-anekpa accessions had the highest cumulative emergence percentage (97%) and number of emerged seedlings. Plant height and stem girth at 3 months, and number of leaves at 2 and 3 months, after treatment application were higher in Awo-anekpa and Idere accessions than in Kano accession. The leaf proximate composition showed that Idere accession accumulated the highest ash (7.6%) and crude fibre (11.9%). Awo-anekpa contained the highest carbohydrate (41.1%) an...
Yield decline in plantain cultivation is a common occurrence after few production cycles due to l... more Yield decline in plantain cultivation is a common occurrence after few production cycles due to low levels of soil organic matter and increased susceptibility to biotic stress. The use of improved varieties is a cheap and eco-friendly option to combat plant diseases; however, sustaining the yield of a new cultivar in the farmers' fields requires good soil fertility management which could be achieved through judicious use of poultry manure. The effects of three rates of decomposed poultry manure (0, 10 and 20 t.ha-1) on growth, black Sigatoka disease response and yield attributes of 'PITA 24' (a plantain hybrid) and its maternal grandparent 'Mbi-Egome' (a landrace plantain) were evaluated at Onne (Nigeria), at the high rainfall station of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The experiment was laid-out as a split plot in a randomized complete block design. Except for leaf area and chlorophyll content, results showed that both clones had similar growth variables. Notwithstanding the susceptibility of the hybrid genotype to the airborne fungal leaf spot sigatoka disease, data on the components of yield showed that 'PITA 24' produced significantly (P< 0.05) higher values for number of hands and fingers per bunch, bunch yield and total biological yield, however, both genotypes had similar biomass distribution pattern. Manured plants had a significant (P< 0.05) yield improvement over the control plants; but, there was a yield decline at 20 t.ha-1 application rate. Increasing manure rates reduced days to harvest by over 30 days; similarly, plant stature, suckering, leaf chlorophyll content, index of non-spotted leaves, crop cycling and total biomass increased with increasing manure rate. It was apparent from our study that 10 t.ha-1 of poultry manure per annum supported the best yield attributes.
Seeds of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophorum Muell Arg.) obtained from four (4) states-Enugu, A... more Seeds of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophorum Muell Arg.) obtained from four (4) states-Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Riversin southeastern Nigeria were assayed for amino acid contents of the raw and cooked seeds using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation in both essential and non-essential amino acid content across locations. Among the essential amino acids, the accession from Abia had the highest arginine and lysine content; Rivers had the highest concentration of histidine and valine, while Enugu showed the highest methionine and threonine content, though statistically similar with that of Abia. Boiling significantly (p < 0.05) increased the amount of tryptophan, but all the other essential amino acids did not respond significantly to boiling. Among the non-essential amino acids, alaninie, asparagine, glutamine, glutamic acid and glycine responded significantly to location. Boiling reduced the quantities of cysteine and glutamic acid; but increased those of glutamine and lysine. Among the essential amino acids, only histidine and lysine were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effects of location and processing such that boiling drastically reduced the levels of histidine in the seeds from Anambra and Rivers but enhanced the level of histidine in the seeds from Abia. Boiling also increased the amount of lysine in the Anambra seeds but reduced the lysine level in all the other accessions. In the case of the non-essential amino acids, asparagine, glutamine and glutamic acid responded significantly (p < 0.05) to interactive effect of the two factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained close to 50% of the total variability in amino acid composition, identifying arginine, asparagine, lysine, methionine, valine, glutamic acid, leucine, cysteine, threonine, alanine and isoleucine as the key amino acids for describing African walnut seeds in the southeastern zone of Nigeria. It was clear from the study that seeds of this under-utilized forest species have full complement of the amino acids in sufficient amounts to meet the amino acid requirements of its teeming consumers.
In West and Central Africa, plantain fruits are eaten after cooking or after some other forms of ... more In West and Central Africa, plantain fruits are eaten after cooking or after some other forms of processing. The cooking or processing method employed influences the biochemical and nutritional composition thereafter. In this study, the fruits of Falsehorn plantain (Musa sp. AAB, cv. 'Agbagba') at the green harvest stage, light green (more-green-than-yellow), yellowish green (more-yellow-thangreen) and fully-ripe (yellow) stages of ripeness were analysed for nutritional composition after boiling, steaming or roasting, alongside the unprocessed (raw) fruits as the control. The fruits were analysed in triplicate samples for fat, protein, carbohydrate (CHO), dry matter content (DMC), β-carotene (vitamin A precursor), ash, Fe, K and Zn contents in a 4 x 4 factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed significant variations in the mineral and proximate composition of the fruits following natural ripening, and the cooking (processing) method employed. Ash, CHO and K contents of the fruits seemingly increased with ripeness, whereas fat, DMC, Fe and β-carotene decreased particularly at full ripe state. Majority of the proximate and mineral constituents (fat, protein, CHO, DMC, vitamin A, Fe and K) were relatively higher at the light green and the greenish yellow (semi-ripe) stages. Similarly, ash, fat, protein, DMC, Fe and K were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the roasted fruits, but steamed fruits had the highest concentration of β-carotene. Except for CHO content, boiling significantly (P < 0.05) decreased most of the proximate and mineral contents of the fruits. It was observed that fruits roasted at the semi-ripe stages had the highest concentration of nutrients, and the CHO content in roasted fruits was correspondingly low. It is conclusive from this study that roasting followed by steam-cooking better conserved nutrients of plantain fruits, thus adjudged the best cooking methods. To optimize nutrients derivable from eating plantain fruits, roasting semi-ripe (light green or slight yellow stage) fruits was the best option.
In the current global climate change scenario, there are predictions of drought and water shortag... more In the current global climate change scenario, there are predictions of drought and water shortages. This study evaluated varying fertilizer treatments (organic-20 t.ha-1 of composted poultry manure, inorganic-400 kg N + 600 kg K2O + 100 kg P2O5 per hectare, and the complementary doses thereof, and a no-fertilizer control) alongside three irrigation intervals (every 3 days, 6 days or 9 days) on growth and biomass yield of micropropagated 'PITA 24' plantain. Results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in growth and dry matter yield (DMY), and the distribution pattern following the irrigation and fertilizer treatments. Plant performances (height, girth, biomass yield, and leaf canopy indices) were superior and sometimes similar in plants that received organic fertilizer or the combined doses of organic/inorganic fertilizers. Similarly, plants that received water every 3 days had the best growth and DMY, followed by those of the 6 days interval. Growth lag and leaf losses were obvious in plants watered every 6 or 9 days interval. The worst hit by the transient moisture stress were the control plants and those plants grown with mineral fertilizers alone. DMY was significantly high in plants that received organic fertilizer alone, followed closely by plants that had the complementary fertilizer doses. These plants allotted greater proportion of the DMY to the aerial components, whereas the control plants accumulated more underground components. Results from the study suggest that transient moisture stress in plantains could be managed with judicious use of manure or complementary application with mineral fertilizers.
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Mar 5, 2015
Nitrogen and potassium are key nutrients for optimum productivity in Musa species. In this study,... more Nitrogen and potassium are key nutrients for optimum productivity in Musa species. In this study, optimum doses of N and K were determined for two plantain genotypes. The growth and dry matter yield (DMY) of 'PITA 24' (a hybrid plantain of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) and a landrace, 'Agbagba' were evaluated on factorial doses of N (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg.ha-1) and K 2 O (0, 300, 600 and 900 kg.ha-1). The nutrient use efficiencies of the applied nutrients were also studied. Analysis of variance showed that fertilizer combination significantly (p<0.05) influenced the genotype performance and genotype-by-fertilizer interaction effects. Growth and DMY in both genotypes were superior where both nutrients were applied together. 'PITA 24' maintained a better growth, higher DMY, and greater efficiency of nutrient use than 'Agbagba'. Both genotypes had the best growth where N was applied at 200 or 400 kg.ha-1 in combination with 300, 600 or 900 kg.ha-1 of K 2 O. The control plants were the poorest. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of applied K + was high at N 200 K 300 , N 400 K 300 , and N 600 K 300 ; similarly, AE of applied N was superior at N 200 K 600 , N 200 K 300 , and N 200 K 900. The partial factor productivity from the applied nutrients was highest at N 200 K 300 , suggesting that it was most economical to grow plantain with 200 kg N and 300 kg K 2 O ha-1. For optimum performance of plantains in the humid tropics of southeastern Nigeria, results from the study suggest the combined application of 200 to 400 kg N and 300 to 600 kg K 2 O per hectare, per annum.
Banana/plantain fruit waste (PFW), sawdust (SD ), poultry manure (PM) and topsoil (TS) were utili... more Banana/plantain fruit waste (PFW), sawdust (SD ), poultry manure (PM) and topsoil (TS) were utilized in the formulation of nursery media. Five nursery media including PFW:SD:PM (2:2:2), PFW:SD (3:3), SD:PM (3:3), TS:PM (3:3) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (1 %:1%:1%:1 %) were composted and compared alongside unamended topsoil (as control) on the growth and dry matter yield (DMY) of banana plantlets. The experiment was laid-out in a completely randomized design of ten replications. Physicochemical characterization of the media revealed variations in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter content and some micronutrients. Also, there were differences in porosity and bulk density of the media. Growth and DMY of banana plantlets tested in these media varied significantly (p < 0.05). Plantlets raised in PFW:SD:PM had the best growth. Whole-plant DMY was highest in TS:PM (26.4 g) and PFW:SD:PM (25.5 g), followed by SD:PM (18.6 g) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (18.1 g), whereas the poorest growth and DMY were recorded in plantlets raised in PFW"SD (9.4 g) and unamended topsoil (9.5 g). Dry matter partitioning pattern was similar in most media except the control plants that partitioned greater proportion of dry matter to underground plant components. Positive and significant relationships (R2 = 0. 71) existed between plant growth parameters, organic matter and Mg contents of the media. Observed variability in growth and DMY was probably due to the variable physicochemical attributes of the nursery media. Results from the study support the use of soilless organic materials in nursery media formulations to conserve agricultural soils. Key words: Plantain waste; nursery media; sucker plantlets.
Yellow passion fruit, consumed mainly as juice in many parts of the world, is an emerging fruit c... more Yellow passion fruit, consumed mainly as juice in many parts of the world, is an emerging fruit crop in southeastern Nigeria. Farmers need vigorous seedlings for optimum performance in the field. For such, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of poultry manure (PM) rates on seedling development and juvenile growth of yellow passion fruit. Two yellow passion fruit genotypes ('KPF-4' and 'Conventional') received five poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha). The experiment was laid out as a split plot in completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The result revealed that the early seedling growth performance of the two genotypes did not statistically (P>0.05) vary. On the other hand, there was a progressive increase in the growth parameters with increasing rate of PM. Specifically, the application of 20 t/ha PM produced tallest seedlings, broadest stems and highest number of leaves in the first five weeks after PM application. However, most vigorous vines (vine length, number of leaves, fresh weights of leaves, shoots, roots) and highest accumulation of dry matter were produced by KPF-4 vines grown with 40 t/ha PM although these did not vary significantly with values recorded with 20 t/ha PM application. In view of the economics of fertilizer use, it was recommended to apply poultry manure at 20 t/ha during nursery in the study area.
Growth performance and nutrient quality of three Moringa oleifera accessions grown as potherbs un... more Growth performance and nutrient quality of three Moringa oleifera accessions grown as potherbs under varied manure rates and watering intervals were investigated at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The treatments included three accessions of Moringa (Awo-Anaekpa, Idere and Kano), three pig manure rates (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) and three watering intervals (3, 4 and 5 days). These were laid out as 3 x 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design, replicated three times. Results showed that seeds of Awo-anekpa accessions had the highest cumulative emergence percentage (97%) and number of emerged seedlings. Plant height and stem girth at 3 months, and number of leaves at 2 and 3 months, after treatment application were higher in Awo-anekpa and Idere accessions than in Kano accession. The leaf proximate composition showed that Idere accession accumulated the highest ash (7.6%) and crude fibre (11.9%). Awo-anekpa contained the highest carbohydrate (41.1%) an...
Yield decline in plantain cultivation is a common occurrence after few production cycles due to l... more Yield decline in plantain cultivation is a common occurrence after few production cycles due to low levels of soil organic matter and increased susceptibility to biotic stress. The use of improved varieties is a cheap and eco-friendly option to combat plant diseases; however, sustaining the yield of a new cultivar in the farmers' fields requires good soil fertility management which could be achieved through judicious use of poultry manure. The effects of three rates of decomposed poultry manure (0, 10 and 20 t.ha-1) on growth, black Sigatoka disease response and yield attributes of 'PITA 24' (a plantain hybrid) and its maternal grandparent 'Mbi-Egome' (a landrace plantain) were evaluated at Onne (Nigeria), at the high rainfall station of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The experiment was laid-out as a split plot in a randomized complete block design. Except for leaf area and chlorophyll content, results showed that both clones had similar growth variables. Notwithstanding the susceptibility of the hybrid genotype to the airborne fungal leaf spot sigatoka disease, data on the components of yield showed that 'PITA 24' produced significantly (P< 0.05) higher values for number of hands and fingers per bunch, bunch yield and total biological yield, however, both genotypes had similar biomass distribution pattern. Manured plants had a significant (P< 0.05) yield improvement over the control plants; but, there was a yield decline at 20 t.ha-1 application rate. Increasing manure rates reduced days to harvest by over 30 days; similarly, plant stature, suckering, leaf chlorophyll content, index of non-spotted leaves, crop cycling and total biomass increased with increasing manure rate. It was apparent from our study that 10 t.ha-1 of poultry manure per annum supported the best yield attributes.
Seeds of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophorum Muell Arg.) obtained from four (4) states-Enugu, A... more Seeds of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophorum Muell Arg.) obtained from four (4) states-Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Riversin southeastern Nigeria were assayed for amino acid contents of the raw and cooked seeds using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation in both essential and non-essential amino acid content across locations. Among the essential amino acids, the accession from Abia had the highest arginine and lysine content; Rivers had the highest concentration of histidine and valine, while Enugu showed the highest methionine and threonine content, though statistically similar with that of Abia. Boiling significantly (p < 0.05) increased the amount of tryptophan, but all the other essential amino acids did not respond significantly to boiling. Among the non-essential amino acids, alaninie, asparagine, glutamine, glutamic acid and glycine responded significantly to location. Boiling reduced the quantities of cysteine and glutamic acid; but increased those of glutamine and lysine. Among the essential amino acids, only histidine and lysine were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effects of location and processing such that boiling drastically reduced the levels of histidine in the seeds from Anambra and Rivers but enhanced the level of histidine in the seeds from Abia. Boiling also increased the amount of lysine in the Anambra seeds but reduced the lysine level in all the other accessions. In the case of the non-essential amino acids, asparagine, glutamine and glutamic acid responded significantly (p < 0.05) to interactive effect of the two factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained close to 50% of the total variability in amino acid composition, identifying arginine, asparagine, lysine, methionine, valine, glutamic acid, leucine, cysteine, threonine, alanine and isoleucine as the key amino acids for describing African walnut seeds in the southeastern zone of Nigeria. It was clear from the study that seeds of this under-utilized forest species have full complement of the amino acids in sufficient amounts to meet the amino acid requirements of its teeming consumers.
In West and Central Africa, plantain fruits are eaten after cooking or after some other forms of ... more In West and Central Africa, plantain fruits are eaten after cooking or after some other forms of processing. The cooking or processing method employed influences the biochemical and nutritional composition thereafter. In this study, the fruits of Falsehorn plantain (Musa sp. AAB, cv. 'Agbagba') at the green harvest stage, light green (more-green-than-yellow), yellowish green (more-yellow-thangreen) and fully-ripe (yellow) stages of ripeness were analysed for nutritional composition after boiling, steaming or roasting, alongside the unprocessed (raw) fruits as the control. The fruits were analysed in triplicate samples for fat, protein, carbohydrate (CHO), dry matter content (DMC), β-carotene (vitamin A precursor), ash, Fe, K and Zn contents in a 4 x 4 factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed significant variations in the mineral and proximate composition of the fruits following natural ripening, and the cooking (processing) method employed. Ash, CHO and K contents of the fruits seemingly increased with ripeness, whereas fat, DMC, Fe and β-carotene decreased particularly at full ripe state. Majority of the proximate and mineral constituents (fat, protein, CHO, DMC, vitamin A, Fe and K) were relatively higher at the light green and the greenish yellow (semi-ripe) stages. Similarly, ash, fat, protein, DMC, Fe and K were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the roasted fruits, but steamed fruits had the highest concentration of β-carotene. Except for CHO content, boiling significantly (P < 0.05) decreased most of the proximate and mineral contents of the fruits. It was observed that fruits roasted at the semi-ripe stages had the highest concentration of nutrients, and the CHO content in roasted fruits was correspondingly low. It is conclusive from this study that roasting followed by steam-cooking better conserved nutrients of plantain fruits, thus adjudged the best cooking methods. To optimize nutrients derivable from eating plantain fruits, roasting semi-ripe (light green or slight yellow stage) fruits was the best option.
In the current global climate change scenario, there are predictions of drought and water shortag... more In the current global climate change scenario, there are predictions of drought and water shortages. This study evaluated varying fertilizer treatments (organic-20 t.ha-1 of composted poultry manure, inorganic-400 kg N + 600 kg K2O + 100 kg P2O5 per hectare, and the complementary doses thereof, and a no-fertilizer control) alongside three irrigation intervals (every 3 days, 6 days or 9 days) on growth and biomass yield of micropropagated 'PITA 24' plantain. Results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in growth and dry matter yield (DMY), and the distribution pattern following the irrigation and fertilizer treatments. Plant performances (height, girth, biomass yield, and leaf canopy indices) were superior and sometimes similar in plants that received organic fertilizer or the combined doses of organic/inorganic fertilizers. Similarly, plants that received water every 3 days had the best growth and DMY, followed by those of the 6 days interval. Growth lag and leaf losses were obvious in plants watered every 6 or 9 days interval. The worst hit by the transient moisture stress were the control plants and those plants grown with mineral fertilizers alone. DMY was significantly high in plants that received organic fertilizer alone, followed closely by plants that had the complementary fertilizer doses. These plants allotted greater proportion of the DMY to the aerial components, whereas the control plants accumulated more underground components. Results from the study suggest that transient moisture stress in plantains could be managed with judicious use of manure or complementary application with mineral fertilizers.
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Mar 5, 2015
Nitrogen and potassium are key nutrients for optimum productivity in Musa species. In this study,... more Nitrogen and potassium are key nutrients for optimum productivity in Musa species. In this study, optimum doses of N and K were determined for two plantain genotypes. The growth and dry matter yield (DMY) of 'PITA 24' (a hybrid plantain of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) and a landrace, 'Agbagba' were evaluated on factorial doses of N (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg.ha-1) and K 2 O (0, 300, 600 and 900 kg.ha-1). The nutrient use efficiencies of the applied nutrients were also studied. Analysis of variance showed that fertilizer combination significantly (p<0.05) influenced the genotype performance and genotype-by-fertilizer interaction effects. Growth and DMY in both genotypes were superior where both nutrients were applied together. 'PITA 24' maintained a better growth, higher DMY, and greater efficiency of nutrient use than 'Agbagba'. Both genotypes had the best growth where N was applied at 200 or 400 kg.ha-1 in combination with 300, 600 or 900 kg.ha-1 of K 2 O. The control plants were the poorest. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of applied K + was high at N 200 K 300 , N 400 K 300 , and N 600 K 300 ; similarly, AE of applied N was superior at N 200 K 600 , N 200 K 300 , and N 200 K 900. The partial factor productivity from the applied nutrients was highest at N 200 K 300 , suggesting that it was most economical to grow plantain with 200 kg N and 300 kg K 2 O ha-1. For optimum performance of plantains in the humid tropics of southeastern Nigeria, results from the study suggest the combined application of 200 to 400 kg N and 300 to 600 kg K 2 O per hectare, per annum.
Banana/plantain fruit waste (PFW), sawdust (SD ), poultry manure (PM) and topsoil (TS) were utili... more Banana/plantain fruit waste (PFW), sawdust (SD ), poultry manure (PM) and topsoil (TS) were utilized in the formulation of nursery media. Five nursery media including PFW:SD:PM (2:2:2), PFW:SD (3:3), SD:PM (3:3), TS:PM (3:3) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (1 %:1%:1%:1 %) were composted and compared alongside unamended topsoil (as control) on the growth and dry matter yield (DMY) of banana plantlets. The experiment was laid-out in a completely randomized design of ten replications. Physicochemical characterization of the media revealed variations in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter content and some micronutrients. Also, there were differences in porosity and bulk density of the media. Growth and DMY of banana plantlets tested in these media varied significantly (p < 0.05). Plantlets raised in PFW:SD:PM had the best growth. Whole-plant DMY was highest in TS:PM (26.4 g) and PFW:SD:PM (25.5 g), followed by SD:PM (18.6 g) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (18.1 g), whereas the poorest growth and DMY were recorded in plantlets raised in PFW"SD (9.4 g) and unamended topsoil (9.5 g). Dry matter partitioning pattern was similar in most media except the control plants that partitioned greater proportion of dry matter to underground plant components. Positive and significant relationships (R2 = 0. 71) existed between plant growth parameters, organic matter and Mg contents of the media. Observed variability in growth and DMY was probably due to the variable physicochemical attributes of the nursery media. Results from the study support the use of soilless organic materials in nursery media formulations to conserve agricultural soils. Key words: Plantain waste; nursery media; sucker plantlets.
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Key words: Plantain waste; nursery media; sucker plantlets.
Key words: Plantain waste; nursery media; sucker plantlets.