GERMPLASM COLLECTION AND EVALUTION OF ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L) GERMPLASM IN NIGERIA .

Abstract

In an attempt to assess the genetic diversity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) in Nigeria, a survey was undertaken to assemble the germplasm of the crop. The survey cut across 56 towns and 20 villages in 17 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 63 farmers were interviewed and 60 accessions of Roselle were collected from them. Results showed that 41.7% of these accessions were having green calyx, while 31.7% were with red calyx. On the other hand, 20.0% of the accessions possessed deep red calyx while only 6.7% were having light red and pink calyx. Collections from the North Central, North Eastern, North Western and South Western parts were observed to be replications over states, towns and villages. The highest number of Roselle accessions was collected from Kaduna state (8 accessions) followed by Niger state (6 accessions); Jigawa State (6 accessions) while FCT and Bauchi State recorded four accessions each. These results tend to suggest that these areas have the greatest diversity of this crop genetic resource in Nigeria. However, morphological as well as molecular characterizations are required to properly catalogue and characterise the Roselle accessions collected. The current results form a basis for scientific documentation of roselle germplasm in Nigeria and also a gene bank for future Roselle improvement programme in Nigeria.