Productivity of Some Hausa Potato Accessions (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir) J. K. Morton in Jos-Plateau Environment | Chapter 06 | Advances and Trends in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1
The Hausa potato (Solenostemon
rotundifolius (Poir)) J. K. Morton is a tropical, multipurpose crop with
different economic values. Its productivity is, however, low in terms of fresh
tuber yield in the accessions available for cultivation in Nigeria.
Consequently, many farmers are not encouraged to cultivate the crop, thereby
limiting its popularity. This study was, therefore, designed to screen
different accessions of the Hausa potato for productivity in the Jos-Plateau
environment, Nigeria. The nine accessions (Manchok 1, Manchok 2, Bokkos 1,
Bokkos 2, Bikka-Baban, Mujir, NRCRI, (White), Tukwak and Langtang) were laid
out in a randomized complete block design with five (5) replications. Results
indicate that percentage emergence, number of branches per plant, leaf area
index (LAI), days to flowering, number of flowers per plant, relative growth
rate, net assimilation rate, tuber length, tuber girth, root-top ratio, stand
count at harvest, mean tuber weight, dry matter content and fresh tuber yield
varied with accessions. Positive correlations were observed between the number
of branches and number of flowers and mean tuber weight, root-top ratio and
tuber yield, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate, tuber length and
harvest index, relative growth rate and harvest index, tuber length and mean
tuber weight as well as harvest index. The relative growth rate and net
assimilation rate were also positively correlated. Moisture content was
negatively correlated with nitrogen free extract. Protein was positively
correlated with NFE (0.553*), but negatively correlated with calcium
(-0.855**). Ash content and iron were negatively correlated (-0.655*). Total
tuber yield was generally low in all the accessions. The positive associations
among some growth and yield attributes suggests that these attributes could be
used as selection indices in the improvement of the Hausa potato. The crop has
the potential to address vitamin C deficiency in children. There is, therefore,
the need to intensify research and popularize the production and consumption of
the crop. The study also suggests investigation into the source-sink
relationship in the Hausa potato.
Author(s) Details
Ms Seun Abimbola Opaleye
Cytogenetics and Plant
Breeding Unit, Department of Plant Science Technology, University of Jos,
P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Dr. Timothy Otsnjugu Aku
Namo
Cytogenetics and Plant
Breeding Unit, Department of Plant Science Technology, University of Jos,
P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
View Volume: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/atias/v1
Comments
Post a Comment