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Conservation studies on
Telfairia occidentalis Hook .F. A. indigenous plant used
in enthnomedicinal treatment of anemia in Nigeria
J. E Ehiagbonare
Department of Biological Sciences, Igbinedion University,
Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. E-mail:
drehiagbonare@yahoo.com
Accepted 10 January, 2008 |
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Optimum
ways of conserving Telfairia occidentalis due to its
usefulness to mankind was the basis of this study. Its seed
viability potential, seed germination, seedling growth, mean
number of seeds per fruit and effect of fruit extract on
seed germination were investigated. One hundred percent seed
viability was observed inside the fruit, the mean number of
seeds per fruit was 71.5. The effect of fruit extract on
seed germination was 100% in 100% concentration, 73.3% in
50% concentration, 30.3% in 25% concentration while the
control had 20%. It was observed that seed germination
decreased with decreasing fruit extract concentration.
Seedling survival was 65%. The study revealed seedling
growth as the area of problem requiring greater attention
for improvement. A central nursery for raising seedlings is
recommended for this makes the collection of seeds,
seedlings, leaves, roots, research materials etc easily
assessable. This has the advantage of research leading to
new information and knowledge, more planting material
available to farmers, other individuals and ethnomedicinal
practitioners who use it to treat anaemia among others. The
consumption of T. occidentalis for individual good
health and thus a healthy nation is encouraged. Further
more, every effort that will keep T. occidentalis
save and protected with a view to conserving the plant for
its value to mankind is advocated.
Key
words:
Telfairia occidentalis, conservation, viability
potential, seedling growth, seed germination. |
