Abstract:
Groundnut, an annual legume and a vital oilseed crop globally, was the focus of a genetic diversity assessment in Niger State. The mission involved collecting germplasm from three agricultural zones representing the primary groundnut cultivation areas. Through interviews with 45 farmers utilizing a validated questionnaire, valuable insights were gathered. The collected germplasm underwent agro-morphological evaluation at the experimental garden of the Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was employed for the assessment. The collected germplasm were characterized based on agro-morphological, fatty acid composition, and pollen parameters, resulting in the identification of distinct genotypes.
A comprehensive total of 37 groundnut accessions were procured from local farmers, while six improved varieties were obtained from the Niger State Agricultural Development Project. The largest accession count (4) originated from Lapai Local Government, with Gbako, Bida, Lavun, Paikoro, Agaie, Shiroro, Bosso, Kontagora, and Katcha Local Governments contributing 3 accessions each. Borgu, Rijau, and Agwara Local Governments provided 2 accessions each. Most parameters studied exhibited significant differences (P<0.05). Notable findings included accession NG-SHI-036 recording the tallest plant height (35.33 cm), NG-PAK-030 having the most leaves (340.00), and NG-LAP-028 displaying the highest number of branches (16.00). Accession NG-AGW-009 exhibited the shortest duration to 50% flowering (27.33 days) and maturity (87.33 days). NG-SHI-036 boasted the highest pod count per plant (49.67), while SAMNUT22 exhibited superior 100-seed weight (56.55g), 100-pod weight (132.70g), and shelling percentage (58.06%).
Pollen parameter analysis indicated SAMNUT26 as the highest pollen producer (4803.33), with NG-SHI-036 achieving the highest percentage fertility (92.00%). Pollen germinability testing revealed NG-SHI-036 achieving the highest germinability percentages of 27.00% and 75.33% at sucrose concentrations of 10% and 20%, respectively. Through dendrogram analysis of agro-morphological parameters, the accessions were categorized into four main groups. Genotype NG-SHI-036 displayed the highest oil percentage (53.17%). Accessions NG-SHI-036, NG-GBA-014, and NG-LAV-024 excelled in terms of fatty acid composition. This study offers foundational insights into crucial traits among various groundnut accessions in Niger State, providing a valuable resource for future crop enhancement endeavors.
ASSESSMENT OF AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) GERMPLASM IN NIGER STATE, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
