Non–destructive leaf area determination in African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon)

Leaf area models are simple, accurate and non-destructive. They are important in many experimental comparisons where leaf area meters are not available. No such model exists for African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon). This study was, therefore, conducted to develop a leaf area model for S. macrocarpon using linear measurements. A total of 80 fully opened leaves of different sizes were randomly selected. The maximum Lamina length (L) and width (W) of leaf samples were measured. Each leaf margin was traced on standard graph paper. Leaf area was subsequently estimated from the number of squares within each tracing. While the linear functions of length or width measurements, and their squares or products explained 79-92% of variations in leaf area, the linear functions of the inverse of length or width measurements, and their squares or products explained about 40-68% of the variations. Regression analysis of leaf area obtained from graph tracing as dependent variable, L and W as independent variables revealed several models that can be used for estimating the area of individual leaf. While models involving L, W, L2, W2, L×W, and L2×W2 explained 78-91% of the variations in leaf area, models with inverse parameters (1/L, 1/W, 1/L2, 1/W2,and 1/LW), explained 39-67% of the variations. Relative to all parameters evaluated, the model involving L2 had the highest r2, and explained 91% of the variation in leaf area. Since only a single linear measurement is required, the model: Leaf area = 1.06+0.4731L2, is recommended for predicting leaf area in S. macrocarpon.Keywords: Eggplant, Solanum macrocarpon, Leaf area, Leaf area meter, Leaf area mode

Homogeneity test of anthocyanin genes among segregating cowpea families

No Abstract.Nigerian Journal of Genetics Vol. 15 2000: pp. 41-4

Variations in some morphological and yield characteristics of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cultivars introduced into the rain-forest agroecology of Southeastern Nigeria

In an effort to increase the legume base of the people, mungbean (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek) was introduced into the agro-ecology of southeastern Nigeria. During a field evaluation of mungbean cultivars at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, nine (9) plants were observed to differ in some vegetative and reproductive traits. The plants were consequently protected and their seeds harvested for further investigations. The progenies of the 9 genotypes and 2 mungbean cultivars (NM-92 and NM-94) were further evaluated in the screen house at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. Data on the peduncle and vine lengths, days to 50 % anthesis, growth period, pod maturity period, pod length, number of seeds pod-1, number of pods plant-1 and 100 seed weight and subjected to analysis of variance using the unbalanced treatment procedure. In terms of the morphological characteristics, variation can be said to have occurred with regards to: growth habit (length of vine), vine hairiness, petal and seed coat colours. Results however show that Genotype-6 and Genotype-8 resemble the NM-92 and NM-94 cultivars in nearly all the attributes measured. Variations among the cultivars have also been observed in the aspects of: podyield per plant, pod and peduncle lengths, seed weight (g/100 seeds) and number of seeds per pod. Further studies are however ongoing to establish the genetic evidence of this phenotypic differences

Enhancing Jatropha curcas (Linnaeus) Cultivation and Seed Yield among Farmers in Nigeria: A Review

Jatropha curcas yields substantial quantity of seed oil and is growing in importance as a source of biodiesel. In Nigeria, the plant has traditionally been grown as live fences and hedge plants around homesteads and gardens to screen off unwanted sites or protect crops against roaming animals. Traditionally, growers are not so much concerned with selection, production, dissemination, and access to improved seeds. With increasing interest in renewable energy around the world, it has become necessary for breeders to, in the first instance, identify and characterize the available germplasm in Nigeria. Subsequently, there is need for appropriate production practices relative to the different ecological zones in order to greatly expand cultivation. During studies at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in Nigeria, no major pests and diseases were observed. While 90 % of the seeds emerged at not more than 6 days after planting, 40 % of the seeds raised without shade emerged at 4 days after planting whereas only 20 % of those raised under shade emerged at the same time. Seed treatment resulted in less than 30% emergence and treated seeds that emerged were stunted and had scotched leaves. Multiplication by cuttings was generally faster than by seed although lodging was a problem. Cuttings measuring 60 and 90 cm performed better compared with 30 and 120 cm cuttings. Cuttings made from the semi-hard wood part of the stem produced shoots and rooted faster than those obtained from the apical and the basal points.Keywords: Jatropha curcas, cuttings, seed oil, biofuel, emergence, shading, breeding