In order to assess the genetic diversity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Nigeria, a survey was undertaken to collect the germplasm of the crop. The survey cut across 56 towns and 20 villages in 17 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sixty three (63) farmers were interviewed and 60 accessions of Roselle were collected from them. Results showed that 41.7% of these accessions were having green calyx, while 31.7% were with red calyx. On the other hand, 20.0% of the accessions possessed deep red calyx while only 6.7% have light red and pink calyx. Collections from the North Central, North Eastern, North Western and South Western parts were replicated over states, towns and villages. The highest number of Roselle accessions was collected from Kaduna State (8 accessions) followed by Niger State (6 accessions); Jigawa State (6 accessions) while FCT and Bauchi State have 4 accessions each. This is an indication that these areas have the greatest diversity of the crop genetic resources in Nigeria and the states might be secondary centre of origin of the crop. However, morphological as well as molecular characterizations are required to arrange the Roselle accessions collected into a suitable group; this will eventually provide the raw materials needed for the Roselle improvement programme in Nigeria.
Members of family Cucurbitaceae are collectively called melon; they are mainly found in the warmer parts of all continents. A germplasm collection was undertaken in Nigeria between April and August, 2015 which corresponded to the periods of harvesting of the crop across major growing regions of the country. Eighteen states including Federal Capital Territory, which are the major growing areas of the crop, were visited. The collections were done in collaboration with Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) extension officers. Fifty five farmers were interviewed and a total of 60 accessions were collected. The accessions collected were identified to species level. All the 60 accessions fall into 5 genera and 7 species; Colocynthis citrullus (45), Cucurbita moschata (3), Cucurbita maxima (3), Lagenaria siceraria (2), Lagenaria sphaerica (2), Cucumeropsis mannii (4) and Cucumis melo (1). All the farmers interviewed preferred cultivation of Colocynthis citrullus due its high oil content, demand and more acceptance by consumers all over the regions. Niger state had highest number (8) of Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus) while Nasarawa and Kogi had same number (5) each. The high number of egusi melon encountered might be due to fact that it is the most cultivated member of Cucurbitaceae in the country. This collection had boasted the baseline information of diversity of family Cucurbitaceae. Also it has generated source of genetic variability for members like Colocynthis citrullus which can be aid in improvement of the crop.
Characterisation of germplasm collection is imperative for identification and selection of new resistance sources in any crop breeding programmes. Thus, evaluation of pearl millet germplasm for resistance to stem borer infestation was carried out in view of the challenges of poor yield and quality reduction of pearl millet, elicited by its feeding activities. Thirty-five (35) pearl millet accessions were collected from different states where the crop is majorly cultivated in Nigeria. The accessions were characterised for resistance to stem borer infestation on the field. Further confirmation for selected potentially resistant accessions under artificial screen house conditions was done using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with ten replications each. The field estimated selection index showed that out of the 35 accessions screened, 15 accessions were potentially resistant; 13 resistants with range value of 0.00 to 0.40 and 2 moderately resistant. Further nursery screening confirmed 9 of the 15 accessions to be resistant under artificial infestation. NS-JIL-01 accession was most highly resistant with significant least leaf damage score of 0.25. Significant and positive correlation (r = 0.32) was obtained between days to anthesis and number of larvae per plant at p < 0.01. Negative correlation of percentage internodes damage with panicle diameter (-0.26) and panicle weight (-0.25 gn) at p < 0.01 as well as weight of 1000 seeds (r = -0.19, p < 0.05) were also significant. The identification of potentially resistant accessions on field and confirmation of some of the accessions under artificial screen house conditions indicated, gene for resistance to stem borer infestation in pearl millet could be obtained from the natural eco-type germplasm.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.