Successful crop production depends initially on the availability of high-quality seed. Seed viability and vigour of four kenaf varieties during storage were investigated. Seeds of each variety were packed inside thick polythene bags and kept in Seed Stores under ambient conditions in two storage locations (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) (29.8°C, 59.10 RH%) and Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan (27.5°C, 64.68 RH%) for 240 days (8 months). Seeds were sampled during storage at 0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 days and tested for seed viability and seedling vigour index. Data collected on seed viability and seedling vigour were analyzed using ANOVA, mean separation using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level and PROBIT analysis. The results showed differential responses in the two quality traits due to differences in storage location and varieties. Ibadan storage location provided more favourable conditions for higher seed quality compared to Abeokuta location while Ifeken 400 and Tianung had the best storage potential. The study showed that under ambient humid tropical conditions, storage period should not exceed 180 days (6 months) in order to maintain higher physiological quality with little or no cost. The PROBIT result revealed that the highest seed shelf life (longevity) of kenaf seeds of 8 to 9 months was derived for seeds of Ifeken 400 and Tianung stored in Ibadan and Abeokuta. The shortest shelf life of 6 months was estimated for Ifeken 100 stored in both locations.

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This study assessed the influence of three plant populations (18518, 27777 and 40000 plants ha -1 ) on fruit and seed yield characters in 16 genotypes of Capsicum frutescens in 2010 and 2011 cropping years using a 3 x 16 split plot arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design. Plant population and genotype formed main and sub-plots, respectively. Data collected on fruit and seed yield characters were subjected to analysis of variance after which means were separated using Fisher's Least Significant Difference. Correlation analysis was also carried out among the characters. Significant and highest (P < 0.01) number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit weight per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight, seed weight per plant and seed weight per fruit were obtained under 18518 plants ha -1 while highest (P < 0.05) fruit yield ha -1 (11.3 tons) and seed yield ha -1 (698.7 kg) were obtained under 40000 plants ha -1 . Top fruit and seed yielding genotypes across the three plant population were PP9955-15 and Chilli 14, respectively. Number of fruits per plant showed negative and highly significant correlation with single fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and seed weight per fruit. Significant positive or negative correlations were also observed among other characters. Plant population of 40,000 ha -1 using 50 x 50 cm spacing is recommended for high fruit and seed yield in C. frutescens production.

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African eggplant is an important fruit and leafy vegetable in Africa. Heterosis over mid and better parents was estimated in eight crosses of eggplant involving eight pure lines in a field experiment in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Collected data was subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences were further subjected to Duncan Multiple Range Test. The aim of this study was to identify superior hybrids that can be advanced in the eggplant breeding program for improved yield and related traits. Significant variation was observed among all traits measured for the parents and hybrids. The highest fruit number was observed in NHS10-40 and in NHS 10-71 x NHS 10-40 among the parents and hybrids respectively. The highest heterosis was recorded in the cross between NHS10-71 x NHS10-40.

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