Assessment of Relationships Between Genotypic Variation and Growth and Yield of Spider Plant in Kenya

Kenneth Mutoro ,Charles Ndenga

doi:10.7176/jbah/9-10-10

Abstract

Spider plant ( Cleome gynandra L. ) is an important African leafy vegetable (ALV) that has been used by local African communities as a source of nutrition in their diets for many years. The plant has recently attracted an increasing demand for its highly nutritive and health promoting bioactive compounds important in combating malnutrition and reducing human degenerative diseases. Despite the great value of spider plant, its supply and cultivation remain low, a factor attributed to unavailability of superior genotypes. This study carried out at Ruiru sub county, Kiambu county of Kenya sought to establish the influence of genotypic variation on growth and yield of spider plant. Experimental plots were set up in the field in Ruiru and greenhouse in Juja. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the significance of variables. Results indicated that genotypes MLSF17, UGSF14, P6, UGSF9 and UGSF36 yielded outstanding agronomic performance. However, there was no significant difference among growth parameters of genotypes in greenhouse compared to the field experiments. Keywords: African leafy vegetable, Cleome gynandra, genotypes DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-10-10 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Highlights

INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the mainstay ofKenya’s economy providing the basis of development for other sectors of the economy
The percentage contribution of African leafy vegetable (ALV) such as cowpeas, African nightshades, vegetable amaranths, jute mallow and spider plant their value in the domestic market in Kenya rose from 4.3% in 2011 to 5% in 2013 (HCDA, 2014)
The control variety (P6) resulted into more leaves per plant when compared with UGSF9 and UGSF25 in the first harvesting period

Summary

Introduction

INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the mainstay ofKenya’s economy providing the basis of development for other sectors of the economy. The percentage contribution of ALV such as cowpeas, African nightshades, vegetable amaranths, jute mallow and spider plant their value in the domestic market in Kenya rose from 4.3% in 2011 to 5% in 2013 (HCDA, 2014). The area under these vegetables has increased over the years from 31,864 ha in 2011 to over 40,000 ha in 2013 leading to a production increase from 31,868 MT in 2011 to 178,268 MT in 2013 (HCDA, 2014). The ALVs have several advantages over other exotic vegetables They have high nutritive value (Chweya and Mnzava, 1997), medicinal value and health benefits (Kokwaro, 1993; Olembo et al, 1995; and De 2007). These ALVs are important in conserving a rich diversity of genotypes of importance for future generations and breeding (Chadha, 2003)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion