Analysis of vegetative growth parameters of some accessions of African Yam Bean Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hocsht ex. A. Rich) Harms

Abstract

Few legumes are being utilized for man’s need of food, feed, fuel and fibre. One of the underutilized legumes; African yam bean has great potentials for food and nutritional security. Vegetative growth parameters of twenty three African yam bean accessions were investigated to assess genetic diversity among accessions studied. The experiment was set up using a Completely Randomized Design replicated four times. Data were collected on three traits: plant height, number of leaves and number of branches. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Significant differences were observed among the AYB accessions for the measured traits. Highest branching, number of leaves and plant height was observed in TSs 62 (8.00), TSs 1 (38.00), TSs 95 (143.5 cm) respectively. These genetic materials are suggested for use in the improvement of African yam bean.