Collection and Documentation of Melon Germplasm in Nigeria

Abstract

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.

The effect of mechanized shelling and packaging on the quality of melon seeds

“…There may be differences in the genetic disposition among the two varieties in terms of promotion or limitation of fat hydrolysis activity; there could be differences in their inherent antioxidant mechanisms [34]. This supports the findings of [35] who reported genetic diversity among Nigerian Egusi melon varieties. [36] Suggests that the presence of microorganisms is a possible cause of high free fatty acid in the stored seeds, therefore samples of the Bara variety, which recorded a significant (p <0.05) higher microbial load also recorded a higher percentage increase in free fatty acid.…”