ABSTRACT

This research work was aimed at investigating the dosimetry of X-ray doses on two African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A. Rich) accessions (Ikwuano and Akara), effects on different x-ray doses on the growth parameters. Seeds of the African yam bean accessions were arranged into six groups each into a brown envelope paper containing 25 seeds each. The first group served as the control whereas the other groups were bombarded with different x-ray doses (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 MGy) respectively. The results of the dosimetry test showed that 8MGy recorded the optimum plant height curve on Akara while in Ikwuano, the optimum curve was 2 MGy. From the dosimetry test results, two dose ranges were chosen for further investigation. The effects of irradiation doses showed a significant increase in the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, stem girth, number of branches, plant height and germination percentage of 2 MGy and 8 MGy of Ikwuano accession and 6 MGy and 8 MGy of Akara accession as compared with the control which recorded the lowest growth parameters. Among the doses, 2 MGy and 8 MGy respectively gave the highest effects. The present work has shown that irradiating African yam bean with X-ray were effective in improving the plant growth.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Certification ii

Declaration iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of contents vi

List of tables             ix

List of plates x

List of figures xi

Abstract xii

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of study 1

1.2 Justification 2

1.3 Aim and objectives 4

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.1 The Botany and Morphological Description of African yam bean 5

(Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

2.2 Taxonomy of Sphenostylis stenocarpa 6

2.3 Synonyms of African yam bean 7

2.4 Cytogenetics of African Yam Bean 8

2.5 Geographical Distribution and Wide Adaptability of African Yam bean 8

(AYB)

2.6 Intra-specific Variability and Diversity within African Yam Bean 10

2.7  Agronomy of African Yam Bean 11

2.8  Pests and Diseases of African Yam Bean 12

2.9 Biochemical Control Strategy for Some Economic Pests of Legumes 13

2.10 Dosimetry 14

2.11  Mutation Breeding for Crop Improvement 14

CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS 15

3.1 Study Area 15

3.1.1 Collection of Planting Materials 15

3.1.2 Irradiation of Planting Materials 15

3.1.3 Experimental Design  16

3.1.4 Data Collection 16

3.1.5 Statistical Analysis 17

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS 18

4.1      Results 18

4.1.1  Dosimetry Test 18

4.1.2 The Effect of X-ray Doses on Plant Height (cm) of Akara Accession 22

4.1.3 The Effect of X-ray Doses on Plant Height (cm) of Ikwuano Accession 24

4.1.4 The Effects of X-ray Doses on Number of Leaves Per Plant in 

Akara Accession 26

4.1.5 The Effects of X-ray Doses on Number of Leaves Per Plant in 

Ikwuanoccession 28

4.1.6 The Effect of X-Ray Doses on Leaf Area Per Plant (cm2) in Akara Accession 29

4.1.7 The Effect of X-Ray Doses on Leaf Area Per Plant (cm2) in 

Ikwuano  Accession 31

4.1.8 The Effect of X Ray Doses on Number of Branches Per Plant in 

Akara Accession 33

4.1.9 The Effect of X Ray Doses on Number of Branches Per Plant in 

Ikwuano Accession 35

4.1.10  The Effect of X-Ray Doses on Stem Girth (cm) in Akara Accession                        38

4.1.11  The Effect of X-Ray Doses on Stem Girth (cm) in Ikwuano Accession                    39

4.1.12 Effects of X-Ray Doses on Germination Percentage (%) of Akara Accession 41

4.1.13 The Effects Of X-Ray Doses On Germination Percentage (%) of 

Ikwuano Accession 43

CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 51

5.1 Discussion 51

5.2 Conclusion 53

5.3 Recommendations 53

REFERENCES 54

APPENDIX