Selection, Evaluation and Release of Varieties from Genetically Diverse African Nightshade Germplasm
2013
Leaf yields of African nightshades are lower than their optimal potential, partly due to lack of improved varieties. Field evaluation of selected African nightshade lines was conducted in Arusha, Tanzania to identify superior lines for variety release, registration and promotion. Three field trials were carried out from August 2007 to January 2008, April to October 2008, and August 2008 to January 2009. Lines SS52 and BG16 had significantly higher leaf yields in trial 1 with 33 and 30 t/ha and in trial 2 with 14 and 17 t/ha, respectively; while in trial 3, lines BG 16 and BG 21 had the highest leaf yields of 24 and 15 t/ha, respectively. These results were confirmed with earlier studies and nine promising lines were selected and subjected to multilocational trials across four Agroecological zones in Tanzania between 2008 and 2010. In year 2011, lines BG 16 and SS 49 were officially released and registered as “Nduruma” and “Olevolosi”, respectively based on their superior yield and acceptability. “Nduruma” is late flowering and produce large succulent leaves, which accumulate photoassimilates leading to high leaf yields during the vegetative phase and high seed yields during the reproductive phase. It is also sweet tasting. “Olevolosi”, on the other hand, is mildly bitter and is most preferred by communities in Tanzania which associate bitterness with medicinal value.
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
28
References
6
Citations
NaN
KQI