DESCRIPTORS FOR ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Abstract

Roselle [Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Malvaceae] is an important leafy vegetable all over the world; Africa in general and Nigeria in particular is endowed with numerous accessions of this crop. Therefore, there is need for an improved standard descriptor to enhance the collection, conservation, characterisation, documentation, evaluation and utilization of roselle germplasm. These procedures are very important and are prerequisite for the future improvement of the crop. Comprehensive information about genetic variability among individuals and (or) groups of accessions can be of great help for management and utilization of germplasm collections. Therefore, descriptors assist for proper management of the resources in gene banks as well as accurate documentation of information about the origin, characterisation and performance of germplasm. Descriptors is very important in developing international standards and a lingua franca that will be understood universally. Thus, this guideline was developed to apply to all accessions of roselle, both cultivated and wild types. It is targeted at curators, farmers and breeders of the crop who aimed at characterizing the available genetic resources of the crop at their disposals. It was developed after a series of research conducted on the available germplasm of the crop in Nigeria over the years. It will also assist in determining and ascertaining the genetic diversity of the crop accessions as well as those stored in the gene banks.