GENETIC VARIABILITY AND MULTI-TRAIT SELECTION FOR SUPERIOR TRAITS IN WILD YAM HYBRIDS

Femi Patrick Oyedoyin; Odunayo J. Olawuyi; Paterne Angelot Agre; Kayode R. Fowobaje; Asrat Asfaw

doi:10.33003/fjs-2025-0903-3243

Femi Patrick Oyedoyin University of Ibadan, Department of Botany-Genetics and Molecular Biology.; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yam Breeding Unit, Ibadan Nigeria.
Odunayo J. Olawuyi University of Ibadan, Department of Botany-Genetics and Molecular Biology.
Paterne Angelot Agre International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yam Breeding Unit, Ibadan Nigeria.
Kayode R. Fowobaje International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yam Breeding Unit, Ibadan Nigeria.
Asrat Asfaw International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yam Breeding Unit, Ibadan Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0903-3243

Keywords: Dioscore spp., hybrid, genetic variability, heritability estimate, MGIDI index

Abstract

The interspecific breeding of yams (Dioscorea spp.) for superior traits is hindered by the dioecious nature of their flowers and low flowering frequency, despite the potential of wild yams to improve related cultivated varieties. However, the genetic variability of these wild yam species has yet to be fully explored. This study investigated the genetic variability and heritability estimates for multi-trait selection of hybrids derived from crosses between two wild yam species, Dioscorea abyssinica and Dioscorea praehensilis. Field experiment was conducted on 65 hybrids using a partially replicated block design. With standard descriptors, data were collected on phenotypic traits, including stem length, internode, plant vigour, tuber length, tuber weight, tuber width, tuber thorniness, and tuber surface cracks. Heritability, genetic advance and variance components were estimated to quantify the genetic contribution to trait variability. Analysis of variance identified significant differences (p=0.00) among hybrids and high genetic variability was observed in phenotypic traits assessed, with tuber weight showing the highest genotypic (104%) and phenotypic (127%) variances. Heritability estimates suggested strong selection potential for stem length (74%), tuber weight (67%) and tuber hairiness (65%), while tuber shape (7%) and tuber width (9%) showed low genetic potential. Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) analysis further identified 8 high-performing wild yam hybrid accessions (TDabp2101010, TDabp2101013, TDabp2101030, TDabp2101042, TDabp2101046, TDabp2101050, TDabp2101052, and TDabp2101055). These findings demonstrate the potential of wild yam hybrids for trait introgression, thereby paving way for the development of new yam cultivars and providing valuable insights for yam improvement programs.

Author Biography

Femi Patrick Oyedoyin, University of Ibadan, Department of Botany-Genetics and Molecular Biology.; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yam Breeding Unit, Ibadan Nigeria.

Femi Patrick Oyedoyin holds a PhD in Botany (Genetics and Molecular Biology) from the University of Ibadan (2025) and is currently pursuing a second PhD at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil, under a CAPES scholarship. He is an accomplished researcher, an excellent presenter, and a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in teaching Biology and Agriculture. His expertise spans Plant Genetics, Molecular Biology, and STEM education.

He worked as a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria, for four years, where he contributed to groundbreaking studies in Yam breeding for Biotic stress, interspecific hybridization, and molecular genetics. A distinguished academic, he won the Best Abstract Presentation Award at the American Phytopathological Society (APS), African Division Conference in 2023 and has received several prestigious awards, including the UNESCO International Center for Biotechnology (UNESCO-ICB) Postgraduate Award and Best Teacher in Nigeria (Teach and Win, 2024). As a Microsoft Certified Educator, he has mentored students to succeed in international STEM competitions, such as the Conrad Innovation Challenge, Interswitch SPAK, and American Olympiad, earning them scholarships to top universities in the USA.

Beyond academia, Dr Femi Patrick Oyedoyin is a seasoned leader with extensive leadership experience, holding key positions in various organizations. He is committed to student-centered learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, research, and scientific innovation.

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GENETIC VARIABILITY AND MULTI-TRAIT SELECTION FOR SUPERIOR TRAITS IN WILD YAM HYBRIDS

Abstract

Author Biography

References

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