Growth Performance and Genetic Variation of African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC.) In Bade, Yobe State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1015-5978Keywords:
African Ebony, Growth Performance, Genetic Diversity, Gashua, Yobe StateAbstract
Growth performance and genetic variation of Diospyros mespiliformis were evaluated across eight locations in Bade Emirate, Yobe State, Nigeria. Diospyros mespiliformis is a multipurpose tree species that is mostly found in Sahel ecosystems. Despite the importance of this species, human activities have subjected the species to serious threats; hence, the need to evaluate its growth performance and variation for improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early growth performance and genetic variation of Diospyros mespiliformis in the study area. Purposive selection of eight (8) locations with Diospyros mespiliformis trees was adopted for the study. Mature and healthy trees were identified for fruits and data collection; fruits collected were measured and processes to seeds and the processed seeds were measured for morphometric traits, and early growth studies. Seed morphometric and seedling traits were assessed. Data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance to identify growth performance and genetic variability. The results of the analysis indicated significant variation (p < 0.05) in leaf and fruit morphology among the locations. The highest mean leaf length (15.26cm) was recorded at Matakudukum, while the lowest (3.74cm) was recorded at Takvirvur. The observed variation suggest that the environmental factors may have a greater influence on these morphological traits than the genetic factors. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in growth traits among the locations. PVC (34.34%) was higher than the GCV (15.56%), suggesting that environmental and other non-genetic factors contributed sustainably to the observed phenotypic variation in the studied traits
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