Genetic Diversity among Nigeria Maiwa Type of Pearl Millet Germplasm

Characterization of pearl millet germplasm is imperative for categorization of germplasm and identification of the desirable genotypes for introgression into breeding programs. The available pearl millet genetic resources from Nigeria, and especially photoperiodsensitive materials or stay-green traits, have so far been exploited only to a limited extent. The present study was undertaken for initial morphological and phonological characterization of unexploited ‘maiwa’ or stay-green pearl millet accession in geographical gaps of Nigeria, to ensure high precision in future genotyping and phenotyping. The germplasm displayed considerable variability for Downy mildew severity,,days to 50 % flowering, plant height, panicle length and grain weight. There was no significant differences to striga infestation since there was no experience of striga emergence, suggesting resistance

Seasonal variation in the insecticidal action of chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescens) products on the cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus f.) infesting stored cowpea seeds in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria

Seasonal variation in the efficacy of 0.0 (control), 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0g extracts of each of ground seed, ground rind, ground whole fruit and unground whole fruit of chilli on the reproduction of Callosobruchus maculatus were investigated during the hot (April/May; 21.1-34.7°C; 13.0-37.0% R.H.) and the cold (November/December; 20.1-24.0°C; 13.0-26.0% R.H.) dry seasons in Maiduguri. Oviposition and adult development were significantly reduced in treated seeds than the untreated control and in the cold dry than in the hot dry period. The form and dose differential efficacy responses of chilli on the depression of both fecundity and adult development in C. maculatus were in the decreasing order of ground seed > whole fruit > ground rind > unground rind and 5.0g chilli > 2.5g > 1.0g