African Journal of Plant Science 

About: African Journal of Plant Science is an academic journal published by Academic Journals. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Germination & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 1996-0824. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 735 publications have been published receiving 8348 citations. The journal is also known as: AJPS.

Heritability and correlation coefficient analysis for yield and its components in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, broad sense heritability, genetic gain and correlations in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria during 2008/2009 cropping season. Genotypes differed significantly at (p>0.001) for all the traits studied, which implies that the genotypes constitute a pool of germplasm with adequate genetic variability. Genotypic coefficients of variation were lower than the corresponding phenotypic coefficients in all the traits studied, indicating considerable influence of the environment on the expression of the traits. High to medium broad sense heritability estimates observed on days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain yield and number of grains per panicle, panicle weight, number of panicles per m2 and panicle length suggests high component of heritable portion of variation, which is the portion exploited by breeder and that selection for these traits can be achieved directly based on their phenotypic performance. The low broad sense heritability observed for the number of tillers per plant and 1000 grain weight is indicative of the influence of the environment on these traits. Low heritability of these traits indicates the ineffectiveness of direct selection for these traits. High to medium heritability and genetic advance were recorded for the number of grains per panicle, grain yield, panicle weight and the number of panicles per plant. This suggests that these traits are primarily under genetic control and selection for them can be achieved through their phenotypic performance. Grain yield exhibited significantly positive correlation with the number of tillers per plant (r = 0.58**), panicle weight (r =0.60*) and number of grains per panicle (r= 0.52*). Therefore, the results suggest that these traits can be used for grain yield selection. Key words: Broad sense heritability, rice, genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, genetic gain, rice yield, yield components.

Medicinal orchids and their uses: Tissue culture a potential alternative for conservation

Abstract: Orchids are nature's most extravagant group of flowering plants distributed throughout the world from tropics to high alpine. They exhibit incredible range of diversity in size, shape and color of their flowers. Though orchids are grown primarily as ornamentals, many are used as herbal medicines, food, and other have cultural value by different cultures and tribes in different parts of the world. Orchids have been used in many parts of the world in traditional healing system as well as in the treatment of a number of diseases since the ancient time. Though Orchidaceae is regarded as a largest family of plant kingdom, few studies have been done regarding their medicinal properties. Linking of the indigenous knowledge of medicinal orchids to modern research activities provides a new reliable approach, for the discovery of novel drugs much more effectively than with random collection. Many of these orchids face the extreme danger of extinction due to over-exploitation and habitat loss. Plant tissue culture could be one of the most suitable alternative tools to minimize the pressure on natural population of medicinal orchids and their sustainable utilization. Key words: Medicinal, orchids, propagation, conservation, culture.

Forest vegetation patterns along an altitudinal gradient in sub-alpine zone of west Himalaya, India

Abstract: The present study describes vegetation diversity along an altitudinal gradient in three sites of sub-alpine forests. The altitude of the study sites ranged from 2800 - 3600 m asl and represented a transition from closed canopy temperate forests to open canopy sub-alpine forests. The results revealed that from low to high altitude strata, size and density of trees decline sharply. The density of sapling and seedling do not follow the trend of trees and exhibit site/location specific trends. Shrub and herb also did not exhibit uniform patterns across altitudinal range of the sites. As sub-alpine forests are considered to be potentially prone to the adverse effects of climate change, present study will provide important baseline information for future evaluation of the impact of climate change on sub-alpine forest communities. Key words: Diversity, timberline, altitude, west Himalaya

Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to different rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on vertisols at Debre Berhan, in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the response of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) to different rates of nitrogen (N) applied as urea (0, 69, 138 and 207 kg/ha) and phosphorus (P) (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ ha) fertilization on Vertisols of Debre Berhan in the highlands of central Ethiopia. Application of 207 kg N/ha delayed days to flowering and physiological maturity by four and nine days, respectively compared to the control. Similarly, it increased plant height by 24 cm, above ground biomass by 224.5%, underground biomass by 108%, marketable tuber yield by 175%, total tuber yield by 119%, marketable tuber number by 95.6%, total tuber number by 34% and average tuber weight by 82% over the control. On the contrary, nitrogen fertilization significantly reduced tuber specific gravity and dry matter content without affecting stem number, unmarketable tuber yield and number, and harvest index. Application of 60 kg P/ha significantly increased days to flowering by two days, plant height by 10.5 cm, aboveground and underground biomass by 32 and 28% respectively, marketable tuber yield by 60%, and marketable tuber number by 43%. Other parameters such as days to physiological maturity, stem number, total tuber yield and number, unmarketable tuber yield and number, average tuber weight, specific gravity, dry matter content and harvest index were not significantly influenced by phosphorus fertilization. Total tuber yield was positively correlated with total tuber number (r = 0.60***), marketable tuber number (r = 0.87***) and average tuber weight (r = 0.81***) indicating that tuber yield increase in response to the fertilization was due to the increase both in tuber number and weight. It was observed that application of 138 kg N and 20 kg P/ha is required for optimum productivity of Gorebiella variety on the vertisols of Debere Berhan in the central highlands of Ethiopia under rain fed conditions. Key words: Debre Berhan, fertilizer, potato, quality, vertisols, yield.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): Processing, nutritional and functional aspects

Abstract: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) being an annual herb is most commonly used for seasoning purpose. Its plant seeds, leaves and roots are edible, although they have very distinct flavors and uses. The herb has a light and fresh flavor. Coriander can be used as whole plant and can be processed because of its perishable nature of leaves and to increase the palatability of ripe fruits (seeds) before using it as flavoring agent in different food preparations. Whole plant of coriander mainly fresh leaves and ripe fruits are used for culinary purposes. Coriander leaves have different taste than its seeds, with citrus overtones. Coriander plant is a rich reservoir of micronutrients and nutritional elements which leads us to focus our study on this herb. Coriander is very low in saturated fat however, contains good amount of linoleic acid which is a good source of α-tocopherol and vitamin K. Leaves of plant are rich source of vitamins while seeds are rich in polyphenols and essential oils. Coriander taste is devoted to its essential oil comprising a significant content of linoleic and furanocoumarins (coriandrine and dihydrocoriandrine). Coriander is also well known for its antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenic, anti-anxiety and antimicrobial activity along with analgesic and hormone balancing effect that promotes its use in foods due to numerous health benefits and its protective effect to preserve the food for longer period. The aim of present study was to highlight the processing, nutritional and functional aspects of coriander. Key words: Coriander, processing, fatty acids, antioxidant content, anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenic, anti-anxiety, diuretic activity, metal detoxification, anti-hyperglycemic activity.