Diversity study of a neglected and underutilized crop species: A case study of Acha (Digitaria spp (Kippist) (stapf)
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018-12
Authors
Ogunkanmi, L.A.
Iloh, A.C.
Dachi, S.
Onuminya, T.O.
Osundinakin, M.I.
Ajikah, L.B.
Rotimi, O.T.
Abdul, S.D.
Ogundipe, O.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Genetic Society of Nigeria
Abstract
Acha is a crop endowed with wealth of nutritional and medicinal uses, yet the rate at which the crop is being lost is at alarming rate. Hence, the need for germplasm collection, preservation and utilization for future improvement. This study carried out exploration trip on Acha collections (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) with a view to unravel the diversity study and investigating its genetic resources for the benefit of mankind. Five Northern states in Nigeria where Acha was cultivated were fully explored for sample collections. Germplasm collections was preceded by initial discussions with farmers on their fields, at market places and homes. At the end of the exploration tour, a total of thirty eight villages were visited out of which seventy five Acha collections were identified. The germplasm collected includes seed saved from previous harvest, purchased from the market, and those shared among colleagues. At the end of the trip, a pre project workshop was organized where farmers from the five states were invited and discussion on the uses, cultivation, processing and benefit of Acha were fully discussed.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Acha , Genetic , Germplasm , Digitaria spp , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES
Citation
Ogunkanmi, L.A. Iloh, A.C. Dachi, S. Onuminya, T.O. Osundinakin, M.I. Ajikah, L.B. Rotimi, O.T. Abdul, S.D. & Ogundipe, O.T. (2018). Diversity study of a neglected and underutilized crop species: A case study of Acha (Digitaria spp (Kippist) (stapf). Nigerian Journal of Genetics, 32(1): 135-142