Insufficient genetic variability is one of the major problems of plant breeding programmes, especially in sesame. Gamma radiation has been reported to be very effective in creating genetic variability in plants. Three varieties of Nigerian sesame were assessed for spectrum and frequency of mutation induced by Gamma radiations in M1 and M2 generations. The varieties (NCRIBEN-04E, NCRIBEN-01M and NCRIBEN-03L) were treated with four different doses of gamma rays (250, 350, 450 and 550 Gy). The treated and untreated seeds (control) were sown in planting bags (under field condition) to raise M1 plants. respectively. The highest branching (7) was from NCRIBEN-01M, while the least (2) was from NCRIBEN-04E. The M2 plants were grouped into eight M2 lines. The dose range (250-550 Gy) was proved to be effective in inducing viable mutations in sesame.
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.
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