No abstract

The effect of genotype and 2, 4-D on callogenesis was investigated in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) hybrid cultivars; SP726180, B47419, M1176/77 and M2119/88. To evaluate the response of the genotypes to callus induction and embryogenic callus production, leaf base explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0mg/L) 2,4-D for 8wks. While, the number of responding explants was found to generally increase with the increase in 2,4-D concentration from 2.5 to 4.0mg/L, embryogenic callus producation was highest on media supplemented with 3.0 and 2.5mg/L. There were no significant differences in the number of responding explants and embryogenic callus production among B47419, M1176/77 and M2119/88, these genotypes however exhibited a significantly higher response when compared to SP726180 indicating their high propensity to in vitro callogenesis.

Biochemical characterization of the seed extracts of the seeds of six selected Nigerian cucurbit germplasm was carried out using standard biochemical procedures. All treatments were replicated three times and the results presented as mean ± S.E. On proximate analysis, percentage moisture ranged from (3.83±0.10%) to (5.17±0.65%) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora (5.17±0.65%) while the least value (3.83±0.10%) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. Crude protein composition ranged from (32.66-0.11) to (35.94±2.89%) the highest (35.94±2.89%) in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (32.66-0.11%) was for Cucurbita maxima. Crude carbohydrate ranged from (27.33±0.20) to (36.66±0.2) with the highest (35.66±0.20) in Citrullus lanatus while the least (27.33±0.20) was for Cucurbita pepo. Crude lipid analysis showed the range of values (31.33±0.27%) to (24.50±0.29%) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (24.50±0.29%). Crude fiber contents ranged from (15.83±1.23%) to (5.68±0.87%) with the highest (15.83±1.23%) in Cucurbita maxima while Lagenaria breviflora had (5.83±0.07%). Ash content revealed the range of values (9.17±0.52) to (5.86±0.29%) with the highest (9.17±0.52%) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (5.86±0.29%) was in Lagenaria breviflora. Analysis of available energy (kcal.) revealed the range of values (555.97±2.45) to (500.90±2.21 kcal) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (500.90±2.21 kcal). With significant difference (P≤0.05) in the contents of crude carbohydrates, lipids, crude fiber and available energy in (kcal). Mineral analysis revealed nitrogen (N) composition with a range of values (3.11±0.38) to (5.75±0.97 g/100 g) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (3.11±0.38) g/100 g was in Citrullus lanatus. Sodium (Na) analysis revealed the range of values (11.83±0.79) to (31.67±2.43) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita pepo (31.67±2.43) g/100 g while Cucumeropsis mannii had the least (11.83±0.79 g/100 g). Magnesium (Mg) analysis similarly revealed range of values (22.00±1.18) to (34.60±2.17) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita maxima (34.60±2.17) g/100 g while the least value (22.00±1.18 g/100 g) was in Lagenaria siceraria. Similarly, calcium (Ca) analysis revealed the presence of the valuable mineral with a range of values (10.83±1.32) to (36.67±2.76) g/100 g) with highest (36.67±2.67 g/100 g) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (10.83±1.32 g/100 g) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima. Contents of phosphorus (P) revealed the range of values (4.50±0.66) to (5.71±0.98) g/100 g with the highest (5.71±0.98 g/100 g) in Lagenaria siceraria while least (4.50±0.66) g/100 g was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. More so, analysis of potassium (K) revealed a range of values (1,266.67±3.67) to (2,266.70±3.69 g/100 g) with the highest (2,266.70±3.69) g/100 g in the seeds of Cucurbita maxima while the least (1,266.67±3.67 g/100 g) was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. With significant difference (P≤0.05) among the species in the contents of sodium, ma...

In this work, we report a new approach for meristem of embryonic axes in four elite cowpea varieties. The hypocotyl and primordial leaves were removed and embryonic axes were placed in culture bottles containing Murashige and Skoog basal + B5 vitamins (MSB5) fortified with 22.2µM, 26.6µM or 31.0µM N 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP obtained on regeneration media consisting of MSB5 supplemented with low concentration (2.22µM) of BAP. Hormone free media promoted direct regeneration of single shoots from the apical meristems of embryonic axes, while the presence of BAP promoted callus induction and indirect regeneration of multiple shoots. Of the BAP concentrations evaluated, produced the highest regeneration frequencies (20.3%, 28.5% and 23.8%) and mean shoots numbers (4.3, 4.0 and 4.1) in SAMPEA 7, SAMPEA 10 and SAMPEA 12 respectively. While, in SAMPEA 9 the highest number of shoots was produced when MSB5 was fortified with 31.0µM BAP. Regenerated plantlets were rooted on hormone free media and acclimatized in the greenhouse. Morphologically normal and fertile progenies were obtained from the greenhouse established generated plants. This protocol could be useful in the genetic engineering of cowpea thereby generating useful transgenic lines for future breeding programmes.