Ethnobotany And Genetic Intra-Specific Variability Of Moringa oleifera Lam. (DRUMSTICK) In Nigeria

Moringa oleifera is an underutilized tree crop with enormous potential to contribute to improved food security and nutrition, medicine, incomes and environment in Nigeria. The plant has not received systematic research attention to enhance its genetic management and improvement. The local knowledge base on its utilization is weak. Genetic diversity details and knowledge about its intra-specific differences are also poorly understood. This study was aimed at collating and documenting the indigenous knowledge variation and local uses of M. oleifera, sampling germplasm for maintenance and use, assess geographical distribution and characterize the sampled accessions. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA) method. Intra-specific variabilities were evaluated using morphometric traits and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP) markers. Thirty one (31) morphometric traits involving qualitative and quantitative vegetative, floral, pod and seed traits, seed set and germination percentages were used for morphometric analysis. Two AFLP selective primer combinations (M-CAC/E-ACC and M-CAG/E-ACA) were employed for the AFLP analysis. Correlation coefficient, principal component (PCA), cluster (CA) and discriminant analysis (DA) were employed to evaluate the intraspecific relationships. Medicinal use recorded 93% fidelity level (FL), food and nutritional purposes (FL = 71.1%), fodder (FL = 60.9%), fencing (FL = 53.2%), gum (FL = 38.9%), coagulant (FL = 38.8%), and firewood (FL = 27.9%). There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among the ethnic, gender and age groups regarding the ethno-botanical use value. The use pattern of M. oleifera varied from one ethnic group to another. Primer M-CAG/E-ACA generated 859 bands while primer M-CAC/E-ACC gave 413 bands. Morphometric and AFLP cluster analyses using UPGMA segregated the 40 accessions into six groups. The pattern of spread of M. oleifera in Nigeria is southward from the North. The use of morphometric traits are less reliable, less efficient and time consuming in the assessment of genetic relationships compared to AFLP marker. AFLP proved to be more robust, fast and reliable. Accessions that are far apart based on genetic similarity coefficient (such as KnN077, ogN026, oyN003 and edN037) could be selected for breeding trials in future. Findings from this study revealed poor management and conservation of M. oleifera germplasm in the different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, which calls for the development of a more effective and coordinated strategies for improved management, utilization, conservation and genetic improvement of M. oleifera

Intra-specific genetic variability dataset on rbcL gene in Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) in Nigeria

Moringa oleifera is an underutilized perennial tree and is widely cultivated and studied due to its multi-purpose uses. Currently, not much information exists about the rbcL (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit) gene sequence in M. oleifera. The rbcL gene is a conserved chloroplast gene and hence can be used for phylogenetic studies of plants at higher and lower taxonomic levels. The data consists of twenty-two rbcL gene sequences, nucleotide, and amino acid compositions of M. oleifera collected from sixteen states across Nigeria. The data offers an understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of the species, which are crucial for both scientists and breeders working on the crop as well as for attempts to conserve the species

rbcL gene dataset on intra-specific genetic variability and phylogenetic relationship of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth) S. Moore. (Asteraceae) in Nigeria

Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth) S. Moore (Asteraceae) commonly called “thickhead” is underutilised, indigenous to the rainforest of West and Central Africa but has also been introduced and naturalised throughout tropical and sub-tropical Asia, Australia, Tonga and Samoa. The species is an important medicinal and leafy vegetable endemic to the South-western region of Nigeria. Its cultivation, utilisation and local knowledge base could be stronger than the mainstream vegetables. Genetic diversity is uninvestigated for breeding and conservation purposes. The dataset consists of partial rbcL gene sequences, amino acid profiles and nucleotide compositions for 22 accessions of C. crepidioides. The dataset provides information on the species distribution (Nigeria), genetic diversity and evolution. The sequence information is integral for developing specific DNA markers for breeding and conservation purposes