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NODULATION IN MILLETTIA THONNINGII (SCHUM & THONN.) BAKER; NATIVE RHIZOBIA AND SEED INTERACTION FROM SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

H.G. ADEWUSI¹, S.O. BADA², D.O. LADIPO³ AND TARIQ HUSAIN⁴

Abstract: Eight provenance of Millettia thonningii were selected across the distribution range in Nigeria, for evaluation of its adaptability for nitrogen fixation outside its origin. Significant variations were recorded under glasshouse conditions between the provenances in nodulation. All the provenances commenced nodule production after four weeks of growth, except Jema'a provenance whose nodule production started a week behind others. Ikire-lwo populations produced the highest average number of nodules 45 this variation was highly significant (p≤0.01) between the provenances. Potentials for nitrogen fixation were probably higher in Jema'a (22.58%) and Lokoja (21.23%) populations. Highly significant (p≤0.01) differences in nodule weights (fresh and dry) were observed among two provenances. Similarly, highly significant (p≤0.01) differences between provenances in nodule morphology were observed. The highest correlation (r=0.90**) was obtained between fresh and dry weights, while the least (r=0.17*) was found between number of dead nodules and nodules dry weight.

¹Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria. E-mail: ajilete@yahoo.com

²Department of Forest Resource Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of lbadan, Ibadan.

³Centre for Environment, Renewable Nature Resources Management, Research and Development (CENRAD), 5 Akmola Maja Street, Jericho Hills, P.M.B. 5052, Ibadan.

⁴Department of Botany, Government Degree College, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi-75300, Pakistan