Oka-Uselu is an indigenous maize variety (Zea mays), which is the main grain crop of the Benin speaking people of Edo
state, Southern Nigeria. In this study, Oka Uselu was compared with an improved maize cultivar [IMC] using plant height,
leaf length and width, tassel number, cob per plant, kernel per cob and tassel length. Both maize varieties were collected
within Edo State and planted at the Experimental Field of University of Benin, Nigeria. Morphological results revealed that
Oka-Uselu was true bred by maintaining all its features such as early flowering, short height and small sized cobs, which
were well set. The IMC had higher values for all the morphological characters evaluated. The stomata of both varieties
were amphistomatic with stomata found on both surfaces. Stomata on the adaxial surface were larger than those of abaxial
surface. More so, the epidermal morphology revealed mature paracytic and epidermal walls sinuously walled, stomata
abnormality were completely absent. The results of this study suggest that Oka-Uselu is a promising maize variety that may
be improved for dry season production.
PAPER TITLE :MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYTODERMOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF OKA-USELU (MAIZE- ZEA MAYS L.)
APPLIED TROPICAL AGRICULTURE | VOLUME 21 NUMBER 3 2016
Paper Details
- Author(s) : Omoigui, D.O.1; Osawaru, M.E.1; Aiwansoba, R.O.1 and Ogwu, M.C.1,2*
- Abstract:
