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Eco-morphological diversity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) in northern Nigeria

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nigeria
  • 2Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainability Research Group, Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
  • 3Applied Environmental Biosciences and Public Health Research Group, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria and Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
  • 4Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainability Research Group, Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 12, Issue (2), Pages 8-16, August,10 (2023)

Abstract

Azadirachta indica is reported to be a species that appears in different forms both in the cultivated and wild habitats. The plant species tend to record varying forms in various agroclimatic zones, in its young state and also when fully matured and in the pattern of its growth, in the products it produces as well as its genetic make-up. The main objectives of this study therefore were to examine the morphological similarities and differences among the individuals of the selected plant population and determine the ethno-botanical relevance of the trees within and around the immediate localities. In terms of seed morphology, neem seeds Borno and Sokoto States were heavier (50.9 –69.1g/10 seed). However, differences in seed length among samples obtained from all locations were minimal (p>0.05). Significant differences in seedling emergence during Screen House study was recorded (p<0.05). Similar significant differences in emergence time among the seedlings collected within the various locations. Delay in seedling emergence was more prominent in the Borno and Yobe seedlings. There were statistical differences in the foliar characteristics of the seedlings obtained from the various locations. The highest total number of leaves (31-37 leaves) was obtained in the Nasarawa seedlings, compared to seedlings from Benue State (13–15 leaves per plant). The leaves of the seedlings obtained from Borno State were broadest (p<0.001).The study revealed that certain neem trees in specific locations had morphological similarities and differences with some others in distant locations, thus suggestive of highly effective dispersal mechanisms.

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