Highest Mean Value For Number Research Articles

Genetic Diversity for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

In the present investigation, At RARS, Jagtial, 68 genotypes, including three checks were evaluated for genetic diversity for selection of diverse parents. Divergence studies through D2 statistic indicated the presence of substantial diversity by forming large number of clusters with wide range of inter-cluster distance.The 68 genotypes were distributed into eight clusters based on the D2 values. Among the eight clusters, cluster I was the largest comprising of 30 genotypes followed by cluster II with 22 genotypes and Cluster III and V with six genotypes in each cluster remaining clusters IV, VI, VII, VIII were solitary. The data on character means for eight clusters indicated that, cluster III was having highest mean value for number of capsules per plant, capsule length, capsule width, number of seeds per capsule, seed yield per plant and 1000 seed weight. Cluster VIII for days to 50% flowering, plant height, days to maturity and number of branches per plant. The genotypes JCS 2611, JCS 2454, and JCS 3599 have a high cluster distance and might be employed directly used for adaptation or may be used as parents in future hybridization programme.

Processing Potato Growth Performance as Affected by Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Boron

: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a leading staple food in the diet of the world population and providing of regular caloric requirements for human and deliver many essential elements, and vitamins including K, P, Mn, Mg, foliate, vit. C, and vit. B6. Increasing its potential yield could be hypothesized via environmental friendly agricultural supplements as seaweed extracts (SWEs) instead of mineral fertilization, and certain micronutrients as boron (B).Therefore, two field experiments were carried out during both seasons of 2016 / 2017 and 2017 / 2018, in a private farm, at El-Nobaria region, El-Behiera Governorate, Egypt, under open field conditions in sandy soil to investigate the effects of two independent variable as SWE (control, 1000 and 2000 mg/l),and B (control, 25, 50 and 75 mg/l) and their combinations on the growth performance (i.e. vegetative growth-related attributes and the yield) of 'Caruso' potato cultivar. Both conducted experiments were factorial experiments laid out in randomized complete blocks design (RCBD), with three replicates. Each replicate included 12 treatments. All determined treatments were distributed randomly within each block. Foliar application of SWEB at 2000; brought about the highest mean values of the studied vegetative growth attributes (plant height [cm] and number of main stems / plant) compare with the other treatments during both seasons. Likewise, pertaining the tuber yield, the same combination; led to the highest mean values for number of tubers / plant, tuber fresh weight / plant (g), total yield / feddan, as compared with control treatment during both seasons. Hence, the above-mentioned combination is the appropriate for both tested independent variables for the best growth performance of the tested dependent variable (i.e., vegetative and yield attributes of the given cultivar).Nevertheless, applying SWE at 2000 mg / l × B at 50 mg / l; brought about the best potato for processing

Cultivars Response of Flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) to Different Nitrogen Sources in Dry Environment

TWO YEARS field experiment were carried out at Demo experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Egypt in 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons to examine the effect of nitrogen sources as soil application on straw and seed yields as well as seed quality of flax. A split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. Three cultivars of flax i.e., Sakha-1, Sakha-2 and Giza-9 occupied the main plots. While, N-sources, i.e., ammonium nitrate (23.5 %), urea (46.5%) and ammonium sulfate (20.6%) distributed in the sub-plot. The obtained results clarified that Sakha-1 gave the highest straw yield and its attributes mean values i.e., plant height, technical stem length and straw yield plant-1. While, Sakha-2 gave the highest mean values for number of branches plant-1 and stem diameter. In addition, Sakha-2 cultivar was exceeded the other two cultivars with regard to seed yield and related traits i.e., fruiting zone length, no. of fruiting branches plant-1, No. of capsules plant-1, 1000-seed weight and seed and oil yield fed-1. Ammonium nitrate followed by ammonium sulfate as N-sources gave the highest straw and seed yields and its related traits when compared with urea. Thus, the recommendations of this study are cultivating Sakha-2 variety and fertilized by ammonium nitrate as N-sources.The obtained results of regression analysis of seed yield indicated that, there are two traits i.e. seed yield plant-1 and No. of capsules plant-1 in the first season and Zn mg 100g-1 in the second one, were significantly (P≤ 0.001) contributed to variation in seed yield feddan.

ASSESSMENT OF SOME AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN GENOTYPES OF EGYPTIAN FABA BEAN (VICIA FABA L.).

This investigation aimed to evaluate of some faba bean genotypes for some morphological and agronomic traits in order to determine the promissing genotypes which can be used in breeding program for improving faba bean. The study carried out at El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station in two successive seasons; 2016/2017and 2017/2018. 50 different landraces collected by the National Gene Bank (from different region of Egypt) and one commercial cultivar (Giza716) used as a check were used. Data analysis showed that there were highly significant differences in all studied characters among genotypes and replications except days to 50% flowering, plant height and number of branches per plant for replicates only. This indicates that there is wide diversity among genotypes which will enrich plant breeding programs to get high new commercial varieties and adapted to climate change of faba bean. The data for genetic parameters showed that the extent of phenotypic and genotypic variances diversed from one character to another according to result data from broad sense heritability (h2) estimates clears that there was graduation for all of studied characters with values from ranged 73.92 % to 95.03 %.which indicate that the effects of environment were lower than genetic effects inheritance of studied traits. In addition, high estimates of heritability could be successful for improving faba bean. Results of mean performance note that although commercial cultivar Giza 716 was outweigh for days to flowering and maturity traits, L47 recorded the highest mean values for 100-seed weight and seed yield/plant. In addition, L39 recorded the highest mean values for number of pods and num ber of seeds/plant. So lines 39 and 47 may be used in breeding programs for improving the performance of seed yield characters. The results of correlation coefficient showed that there were thirteen significant and highly significant positive phenotypic correlation in addition, four significant and highly significant negative phenotypic correlation. The direct contribution of 100- seed weight per plant had highest mean values followed by number of seeds per plant. Number of seeds per plant had the highest indirect effect via number of pods per plant, and number of branches per plant via number of seeds per plant. In addition, 100 seeds weight via number of branches per plant, 100-seed weight also had an appreciable indirect effect via leaflet width and number of branches per plant. Cluster analysis for investigated traits showed diversity among investigated fifty-one faba bean genotypes. All genotypes divided into two groups at a distance of 5.924. The first group contain line 47. The second group contains other genotypes. 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant are valuable in splitting the studied genotypes into two groups high value included the first group, however low vale included the second group.

Genetic diversity analysis and identification of promising lines for hybridization in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Forty genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for assessing genetic divergence for different quantitative characters for improving yield potential of chickpea by using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters suggesting considerable amount of genetic diversity in the material. The intra-cluster D2 value ranged from 0.00 to 9.06 while, intercluster D2 value ranged from 4.07 to 55.71. The maximum intra cluster distance was exhibited by cluster V followed by cluster II and cluster I. Cluster III had mono- genotype and emerged with contained highest cluster mean value grain yield per plot. Cluster II has highest mean value for number of pods per plant and lowest mean value for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height. Maximum contribution toward the total divergence was exhibited by 100-seed weight followed by number of pods per plant and minimum by days to maturity. Cluster IV and VI showing maximum inter cluster distance and crossing of genotypes Sabour chana-1 (BRC-1), GCP 105, PBC 503, DC 16-2, NBeG 776, RVSSG 42, G2016-43, GL 14042, IPC 2013-21, GNG 2338, GNG 2375 and KWR 108 from cluster VI suggested for improving grain yield per plot, 100-seed weight and earliness in flowering and ultimately enhancing the yield and chances of getting better recombinants in segregating generations.

Genetic variability and correlation in pigeonpea genotypes

Forty nine pigeon pea genotypes were evaluated at Agricultural Research Station Tandur during kharif 2015-16. Genotypes were grouped into six clusters based on Mahalonobis D2 statistics. Days to maturity contributed to maximum genetic divergence followed by days to 50% flowering. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters II and VI and intra cluster distance in cluster I and II. Genotypes in cluster V recorded highest mean values for number of secondary branches/plant and number of pods/plant and seed yield. Broad sense heritability estimates were highest for days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. Significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation was observed between seed yield and number of pods/plant and number of secondary branches/plant. The range of GCV observed was 4.55 to 22.07% for the traits under study indicating the extent of variability present among the pigeon pea genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to maturity exhibited maximum direct effect followed by number of pods/plant.

VARIETAL PERFORMANCE AND CORRELATION OF OKRA POD YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

Field irrigation experiments were conducted to assess the varietal performance and correlation of pod yield and yield attributes under irrigation at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, during 2015 and 2016 dry seasons. The results revealed that the most outstanding for fresh pod yield per plant were okra cultivar Kwadag Y’ar gagure Salkade and, Kwadam in descending order with yield ranging from 580.38-622.67g, while the composite cultivar had the lowest value of pod yield of 428.62g over the two years. The highest mean values for number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant were observed for Salkade and Y’ar gagure, respectively. Highest fresh pod length and fresh pod diameter were also exhibited for Salkade and Kwadag, respectively. Genotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the phenotypic variation for all the yield contributing characters. Days to 50% flowering were positive and highly significance difference associated with plant height, number of pods per plant and fresh weight per pod. Path coefficient analysis showed that number of pods per plant exhibited positive and direct effects on pod yield across years. Indirect effect of other yield components through this character also contributed mainly towards pod yield. Therefore, plant height, days to 50% flowering, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod diameter, number of primary branches per plant and fresh weight per pod could be considered for selection and improvement for high pod yielding varieties in okra.

Evaluation of Gloriosa superba for Yield Attributing Characters and Quantification of Colchicine Originated from Different Agro Climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

The study was conducted to evolve Gloriosa superba for yield characters and alkalodi content for selecting elite genotypes for comercial exploitatio n. The genotypes were sowm in Variyankaval village, Udayarpalayam taluk of Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. The highest mean value for fresh and dry seed yield was observed in Chittor local. The genotype Mulanur local has recorded the highest mean value for number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod and Arupukotai local excelled the general mean for the traits seeds per pod, fresh and dry seed yield and also for tuber characters. An investigation was carried out to quantify the colchicine (alkaloid) present in tubers by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The genotypes collected from Arupukotai recorded the highest colchicine content (0.760 mg/g) followed by Chittoor (0.578 mg/g) and Mulanur (0.496 mg/g) and there by these three genotypes were utilized for further crop improvement.

Morphological traits based genetic diversity in safflower germplasm (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The material consisted of one fifty accessions from the Core Subset of Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad (IIOR), Hyderabad and two popular varieties fromIIOR, Hyderabad. The study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity based on morphological traits during rabi 2014-15. Thirteen characters were recorded to group the genotypes into twelve clusters based on Mahalonobis D2 statistics. Maximumnumber of genotypes were grouped into cluster I followed by cluster VI. Height from ground level to first primary branch contributed to maximum genetic divergence followed by number of effective capitula per plant among the genotypes studied. Genotypes in cluster XI recorded highest mean values for number of effective capitula per plant (61.13) and seed yield per plant (25.52g). GMU 3281 in cluster IV recorded highest oil content of 31.05 per cent. Bold capitula were observed in genotypes belonging to clusters VIII and XII.

Genetic divergence study in traditional local landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.) predominant in Bastar Plateau Zone of Chhattisgarh

100 local landraces of rice from Bastar plateau of Chhattisgarh state along with five check varieties were studied for genetic diversity on the basis of nineteen quantitative characters using Euclidian distance between genotypes. This analysis allowed the 105 genotypes of rice to be identified into ten distinct clusters. Among the different clusters, cluster III contained maximum of 46 genotypes and cluster I, II and X contained a minimum of 1 genotype each. Cluster I was characterized by highest mean value for number of effective tillers per hill, spikelet fertility and grain length breadth ratio. Cluster VII had highest mean value for harvest index. The cluster VIII was characterized by highest mean value for flag leaf length, panicle length, number of fertile spikelets per panicle and total number of grains per panicle. The cluster IX was characterized by highest mean value for grain yield per plant, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, test weight and grain breadth. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and VIII while the lowest between III and IX. The lowest intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I, II and X while highest intra cluster distance was observed in cluster IX. There is good scope to bring about genetic improvement in rice through hybridization and selection by crossing accessions from different clusters.

Assessment of variability for agro-morphological traits in elite lentil (<italic>Lens culinaris</italic>) lines using multivariate analysis

Genetic variability was assessed using multivariate analysis among elite lentil lines derived through hybridization between <italic>macrosperma</italic> and <italic>microsperma</italic> types. As per principal component analysis, first four principal components (PC) expressed 83.50% of total variation in which PC I, PC II, PC III & PC IV accounted for 34.73%, 27.14%, 11.94% and 9.69% of total variation, respectively. On the basis of cluster analysis, cluster III was found promising for yield and its major component traits as it had the highest mean values for number of pods per plant (69), 100 seed weight (1.81g), seed yield per plant (1.73g), biological yield per plant (5.0g), harvest index (35.13%) and maturity (159 days). The correlation study between yield and its components, traits <italic>viz</italic>., biological yield per plant (r=0.70), number of pods per plant (r=0.55) and delayed maturity (r=0.40) were found major yield contributing traits and can be given due emphasis during development of improved genotypes of lentil for rainfed condition of Uttarakhand hills.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield in India is below world averages. To increase productivity, it is necessary to develop superior varieties/hybrids. The efficiency of selection depends upon the nature and magnitude of genetic variability and degree of transmissibility of desired characters. Because yield is a complex character, its direct improvement is difficult. Twenty-six genotypes of tomato were assessed to determine the nature and magnitude of variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis between yield and yield-contributing characters. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences among all genotypes for the characters. The genotype ‘EC-357838’ had the highest mean value for number of fruit per plant, total soluble solids, and yield per plant. High PC phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV), and heritability estimates, coupled with high genetic gain, were observed for plant height, number of fruit per plant, yield per plant, and fruit weight, indicating that these characters are under additive gene effects and more reliable for effective selection. Correlation indicated that yield was significantly and positively associated with number of fruit per plant and per cluster. Path analysis at the genotypic level indicated that fruit weight had the most positive direct effect on yield per plant followed by number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter, and number of fruit per cluster. Direct selection on the basis of fruit weight, number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter, and number of fruit per cluster is reliable for yield improvement in tomato.

Genetic diversity analysis of parental lines for hybrid development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Genetic divergence of 40 parental lines comprising 30 restorer and 10 maintainer lines were studied through Mohalanobis's D2 and principal component analysis for eleven characters. Genotypes were grouped into five different clusters. Cluster V comprised maximum number of genotypes (thirteen) followed by cluster I and II. The inter-cluster distance was maximum between clusters I and V (13.495) indicating wide genetic diversity between these two clusters followed by the distance between cluster I and 11 (9.489), cluster IV, and cluster V (8.969) and cluster I and cluster III (8.039). The minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and cluster III (3.034) followed by cluster 111 and cluster IV (3.834) and cluster II and cluster V (4.945) indicating that the genotypes of these clusters were genetically close. The intra cluster distance in the entire five clusters was more or less low which indicated that the genotypes within the same cluster were closely related. Among the characters panicle weight contributed most for divergence in the studied parental lines. Difference in cluster means existed for almost all the characters studied. Highest mean value for number of effective tillers (7.8), days to 50% flowering (95.5), panicles/m2 (192.6), panicle weight (2.9), spikelet fertility (84.8), number of grains/panicle (177.8), days to maturity (123.6), and grain yield/plot (1065.5) were observed in cluster I indicated the parental lines fallen in this cluster having the genetic potentiality to contribute better for yield maximization of hybrid rice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14386 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 617-624, December 2012

Morphological diversity of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in Bangladesh

Abstract Morphological diversity in 92 eggplant genotypes based on twenty one characters was estimated using Mahalanobis’s D 2 statistics. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VIII (2.13), containing seven genotypes and the lowest intra-cluster distance (1.18) was observed in cluster IV having four genotypes. Ninety two eggplant genotypes were grouped into ten different clusters by non-hierarchical clustering. The cluster X had the maximum number (17) of genotypes and cluster II and III had minimum number (3) of genotypes. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and VIII (30.86) indicated the genotypes in these clusters were more diverged than those of other clusters. The lowest inter-cluster distance was observed between the clusters V and X (3.72) suggesting a close relationship among the genotypes included within these clusters. Cluster II constitute three genotypes and produced the highest mean value for number of flowers per inflorescence (4.67) and yield per plant (812.33) and the lowest mean value days to 1st flowering (108.22). Cluster IV constitute three genotypes namely EP-080, EP-081, EP-089 and produced fruits for longer duration (82.33). Cluster VIII constitute seven genotypes and showed the lowest mean value for number of infected shoots per plant (1.57). Cluster X established with 17 genotypes produced the lowest mean value for number of infected fruit per plant (8.26). Therefore, more emphasis should be given on cluster II, IV and VIII for selecting genotypes as parents for crossing which may produce new recombinants with desired traits.

Studies on genetic variability for morphological, water use efficiency, yield and yield traits in early segregating generation of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Twenty eight F2 populations were evaluated for genetic parameters of 23 characters of morphological, physiological, yield and yield attributes during spring 2009. TPT-4 x ICGV-91114 was distinct for its lowest mean value for days to maturity and highest mean values for number of well-filled and mature pods per plant, shelling percentage, 100- kernel weight. The F2 involving JL-220 as one of the parentsviz., JL-220 x ICGV-99029 for SCMR, JL-220 x TCGS-647 for SMK percentage, protein percentage, kernel yield per plant and pod yield per plant showed the highest per se performance. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of secondary branches per plant. High heritability and high GAM was recorded for the number of secondary branches per plant, high heritability and moderate GAM were observed for days to 50% flowering. The leaf area index, number of well-filled and mature pods per plant, dry haulms yield per plant and harvest index showed moderate heritability and high GAM. This indicates that these characters are under additive genetic control and selection for genetic improvement will be worthwhile and may rapidly contribute to pod-and kernel yields. Key words: Groundnut, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance as percentage of mean.

Genetic Divergence in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Genetic diversity of 27 chickpea genotypes was studied through Mahalanobis D2 and Principal Component analysis. The genotypes under study fall into five clusters. The cluster II contained the highest number of genotypes (11) and Cluster I contained the lowest. Cluster I produced the highest mean value for number of pods per plant. The inter cluster distances were much higher than the intra cluster distances. Cluster V exhibited the highest intra cluster distance while the lowest distance was observed in cluster I. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster I and II while the lowest was between cluster III and V. Considering all the characters, it was suggested that the genotypes BD6549, BD6603, and BD6548 could used as parents for future breeding programs to develop high yielding varieties of chickpea. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i1.11184 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(1): 129-136, March 2012

Genetic divergence in Lentil

Fifty genotypes of lentil (Lens culnaris Medik) were evaluated under eight environments for seed yield and its associated traits. All the genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. The composition of various clusters variedfrom 2 to 12. Clustering pattern revealed the distribution of the genotypes belonging to the same origin in more than one cluster indicating non-parallism between geographic and genetic diversity. Members of cluster II and VII were highly diverse from each other as these clusters showed maximum inter-cluster distance. The entries of cluster VII showed the highest mean values for number of primary branches-1, biological yield plant-1, seed yield plant-1 and 100-seed weight. The promising genotypes for seed yield, 100-seed weight, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and early maturity were identified from cluster II and VII on the basis of mean values which could be utilized for hybridization programme for the development of high yielding genotypes.

EVALUATION OF FRUIT AND SEED YIELD AS WELL AS POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF SOME NEW GENOTYPES OF OKRA [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) MOENCH

The present study was carried out during the two successive summer seasons of 2008 and 2009 at Sabahia Horticultural Research Station, Alexandria, Egypt. This investigation aimed to evaluate five genotypes of okra for their edible pods and seed yieldsas well as fruit post harvest quality.It was found that Alexandria 1 cultivargave the highest mean values for edible pod length, number of early edible pods/plant, and total edible pod yield (kg/fed). Alexandria 2 cultivar had the highest mean values for early edible pod yield (kg/fed). Line 1 gave the highest mean values for number of mature pods/ plant; in addition, it was significantly equal to Alexandria 1 cultivar regarding pod length, and Alexandria 2 cultivar concerning weight of 100 seeds. Line2 exhibited the highest mean values for total number of edible pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, and total seed yield (kg/fed). Line 3 showed the highest mean values for edible pod weight, but, it gave the lowest percentage of dry matter in edible pods comparing with the other genotypes. Pod color of Alexandria 1 cultivar was light green. But, it was dark green in lines 1 and 3, and medium green in Alexandria 2 cultivar and line 2. The storage period had significant effects on all chemical traits of okra pods. Total carbohydrate percentage decreased as the period of storage was prolonged. Significant losses were incident after 3 and 6 days of storage. In addition, the significant difference was recorded after 3 days of storage regarding dry matter percentage, where it decreased in all genotypes except for line 2. Meanwhile, contents of crude fibersin okra pods increased as the period of storage was prolonged till 6 days then decreased after 9 days. Also, total crude protein content of okra pods increased as the period of storage was prolonged. Significant increase was incident after 9 days of storage.

Evaluation of twelve cassava genotypes in derived Guinea Savanna agroecological zones of Nigeria

Cultivar adaptability trials were conducted for two years in two different locations of derived guinea savanna agroecological zones of Nigeria, Ibadan (07' 22°E, 03' 55°N, temperature 27°C, relative humidity:60-80%, rainfall: 1308 mm), and Ilorin (08' 30°E, 04' 46°N, temperature 28°C, relative humidity 60-80%, rainfall 1050 mm) using 12 cassava genotypes. Data collected included number of tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in cassava genotype performance among the environments (Ilorin, 1992/93; Ilorin 1993/94; Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1993/94) for number of tuberous roots, shoot weight, fresh tuberous yield and harvest index. Cassava genotypes grown at Ilorin, 1993/94 had the highest mean values for the number of tuberous roots, fresh tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index at 12 months after planting. Genotypic differences were observed across locations and years for tuberous root number, fresh cassava tuberous root yield shoot weight and harvest index. In across locations and years, TMS 30572, TMS 81/01635, TMS 82/00058 and TMS81/00110 had the highest mean values for total tuberous root number, shoot weight, fresh tuberous of tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in cassava genotype performance among the environments (Ilorin, 1992/93; Ilorin 1993/94; Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1993/94) for number of tuberous roots, shoot weight, fresh tuberous yield and harvest index. Cassava genotypes grown at Ilorin, 1993/94 had the highest mean values for the number of tuberous roots, fresh tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index at 12 months after planting. Genotypic differences were observed across locations and years for tuberous root number, fresh cassava tuberous root yield shoot weight and harvest index. In across locations and years, TMS 30572, TMS 81/01635, TMS 82/00058 and TMS81/00110 had the highest mean values for total tuberous root number, shoot weight, fresh tuberous root yields and harvest index respectively. In Ibadan, TMS 82/00058 and TMS 91934 had the highest values for parameter measured whereas in Ilorin, TMS 30572, TMS 82/00058, TMS 81/01635 and TMS 81/00110 performed better than other genotypes tested. Stability analyses were carried out on fresh tuberous root yield. When all the rank sums were summed for each genotype used as a parameter for stability, the result showed that for tuberous root yield, TMS 82/00942, TMS 82/00058 and TMS 30572 could be the most stable genotypes for the derived guinea savanna ecology. TMS 30572 has been widely adopted in some parts of these areas. TMS 82/00942 and TMS 82/00058 are new genotypes which are promising for distribution to farmers in derived guinea savanna ecology. Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol. 8 (1) 2006: pp. 92-102

Effect of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. And Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray used as green manure on the early growth of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. seedlings

Based on the role and function of green manure as soil amendments to improve and maintain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, this study was carried out to find out the effect of green manure (G. sepium and T. diversifolia leaves) on the growth performance of Parkia biglobosa. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments replicated eight times. 5 kg of each treatment as well as a combination of both treatments were incorporated solely into the soil on a 2mx1m bed. After two months of decomposing the plant materials, 3 kg of the soil was filled into each polythene pot. Growth parameters were monitored for 16 weeks after planting. Result showed that G. sepium had the highest mean value for plant height at 48.24cm while the control recorded the lowest mean value for plant height at 41.93cm. The highest mean value for number of branchlets was recorded in G. sepium treated soil with 33 branchlets while the control recorded the least number with 28 branchlets. This study revealed that the addition of G. sepium manure can better enhance the growth of P. biglobosa seedlings than T. diversifolia manure in the nursery. G. sepium leaves compost can be used in raising this species in the nursery for the production of vigorous seedlings in replacement of inorganic fertilizers. G. sepium leaves is an organic fertilizer that is readily available which can be collected by the farmers from the tree to raise this species.Keywords: Seedling, Parkia biglobosa, Green manure, Fertilizer, Growth performance