BIODIVERSITY AND SPECIES DISTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS UNDER-UTILIZED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROPS IN THE NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Okpanachi, O., Aguoru, C.U., Azua, E.T. and Olasan, J.O.
Biodiversity and Environment Unit
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
Corresponding author: Olasan J.O.; Email: lekanolasan@yahoo.com)
ABSTRACT
Species distribution and diversity of indigenous fruit and vegetable crops were undertaken in three Local Government Areas of the North Senatorial Districts. Three locations were randomly chosen per LGA. Three random samplings were carried out in each location. A total of 27 localities were studied, each with a unique code and GPIS information. Qualitative and quantitative ecological approaches were adopted. Representative wild plant specimens were collected and identified. Herbarial specimens were also preserved. The Shannon-Wienner Diversity (H) computation was done for each LGA. The African butter pear and Black velvet Tamarind were rare in Akwanga LGA but Drum palm was frequently seen. Akwanga LGA had 7 species accounting for 64 species richness (Gudi=22, Alushi=17, Walko=25). H-diversity was 1.83 while species evenness was 0.938. In Wamba LGA, African Locust beans and Finger root were abundantly present. However, Desert date, Red bush willow, Baobab and Wild onion spring were rarely encountered. Wamba LGA had 9 species with species richness of 420 dominated by Wamba (263). H-diversity was 1.20. Hmax was 2.20 while species evenness was 0.54.The most abundant species in NasarawaEggon were Jute plants most especially at Mada station. NasarawaEggon LGA had 11 species where species richness was 609 cutting across Mada station (228), Kagbu (102) and Lambaga (279). H-diversity was 1.55; Hmax was 2.4 while species evenness was 0.65. The strength of biodiversity of indigenous fruit and vegetable crop was low in Wamba (H<1.5) but moderate in the two other LGAs (H>1.5). This could be attributed to various anthropogenic activities and pressure causing loss of biodiversity. Many plants such as African butter pear and Black velvet Tamarind, Desert date, Red bush willow, Baobab and Wild onion spring are rare. There is need for intensive domestication and conservation of these plants for sustainable utilization in the Northern Senatorial District of Nasarawa State Nigeria.Key words: Biodiversity, Indigenous crops, Conservation, Sustainable utilization
