Botany

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BIOSYSTEMATIC STUDIES IN SOME NIGERIAN SPECIES OF ANTHERICUM LIN. AND CHLOROPHYTUM KER-GAWL. (LILIACEAE)
(1981-03) ADEYEMI, F. A.
Field surveys and investigations of representatives of Anthericum L. and Chiprophytum Ker-Gawl. complex in Nigeria were carried out in their natural habitats in at least sixteen States of the Nigerian Federation. All herbarium specimens in the Forestry Research Institute, Ibadan and in nine Nigerian Univetfsities visited were examined (if any). So far, ten species of Anthericum and fifteen species of Chlorophytum have been reported and collected in Nigeria. They were all studied morphologically. Detailed ecological analyses including the Chemical composition of their soils were carried out on three taxa of Anthericum and ten taxa of Chrolophytum. Many living populations were sampled from their different natural habitats in Nigeria, Their representatives were cultivated in three locations for experimental studies. Data were collected on the morphology by conventional methods and analysed. Anatomical data were amassed from the leaf surface patterns and the roots. Types of leaf margin anatomy were noted. Cytological studies were carried out in five taxa of Anthericum and eleven taxa of Chlorophytum. There were inter-generic hybridization tests. The use of lea f vein spacing interval and anther: filament ratio as taxonomic criteria have been suggested and their usefulness in the monocotyledon taxonomy, especially in Liliaceae, needed to be further explored. The importance of leaf margin anatomy as a taxonomic criterion above species level was highlighted. Chromosome counts for seven taxa were confirmed, viz; C. macrophvllum (A. Rieh.) Aschers 2n = 28. C. blepharophvllum gchwinf. ex Bak. 2n = 28. C. atenopetalum I Bak. 2n = 14. C. atenopetalum II (sp. nov.) 2n = 14. C. laxum R. Br. 2n = 14. C. inomatum Ker-Gawl. 2n = 14. C. togoense Engl. 2n = 14. New chromosome counts were recorded in :- C. geophilum Peter ex. v. Poelln. 2n = 28. C. alisaifolium Bak. 2n = 16. Chiprophytum X ( related to C. elatum ) 2n = 16. C . caulescens (Bak.) Marais & Reilly ( formerly A. caulescens Bak.) 2n = 16. A. Limosum Bak. 2n = 16. A. pterooaulon I Welw. ex Bak 2n = 24. A. Pterocaulon II 2n = 16. A. nubicum Bak. 2n = 16. A. pubirhachis Bak. 2n = 16. A. uvuiense 2n = 16. The possible evolution o f chromosome numbers in the complex has been postulated. The possible chromosome evolution o f the complex based on the available data from this work and existing literature has been proposed. Evidence was adduced to Support the Suggestion that the possible basic Chromosome number in the complex was x = 4, and that n = 8 Was a secondary basic number. It has also been contended that n =7 and n= 6 evolved from a more primitive n = 8. Supplementary evidence in Support of Marais and Reilly’ s (1978) transfer of A. caulescens from Anthericum into Chloronhytum as C. caulescens was adduced. A form of C.stenopetalum has been elevated to species level on account of its morphological, cytological and genetic differences. A new taxonomic key has been proposed for the Separation of Anthericum and Chiprophytum. The possible mode of evolution of some Nigerian species of Anthericum and Chlorophytum. based mainly on their leaf surface patterns, has been proposed.
MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF GUINEA CORN FERMENTATION FOR OGI-BABA PRODUCTION
(1986-01) ADEYELE, S.
STUDIES OF TOXIGENIC AND ZOOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPOILAGE OF NIGERIAN POULTRY FEEDS
(1988-03) ADEBAJO, L. O.
Six species of known toxigenic and zoopathogenic fungi were isolated from Nigerian poultry feeds. These include Aspergillus flavus Link: Fr. (IMI 280819), A. fumigatus Fres. (1M1 280822), A. niger v. Tieghem (IM1 280823), A. oryzae (Ahlburg) Cohn (IM1 280831), Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (1M1 280827) and Rhizomucorpusillus Lindt Schipper (1MI 280824). Growth-temperature range for the fungi was between 15° and 45°C. Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizomucor pusillus are thermotolerant with optimum growth 40° C while Rhizopus arrhizus had optimum growth at 30° C. For Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. oryzae the optimum growth was at 35° C. The pH growth studies showed that all the fungi had good mycelial growth at pH 4-8 with optimal growth at pH 5.5 for Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus and A. oryzae. Aspergillus niger, Rhizomtlcor pusillus and Rhizopus arrhizus had optimal growth at pH 6.0. Nutritional studies showed that all the fungi were capable of utilizing the various forms of carbon and nitrogen provided to varying extents. Starch and dextrin were excellent sources of carbon for mycelia growth and sporulation while pectin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were poorly utilized by all the fungal isolates. The fungal species grew poorly on native cellulose (filter papers) except Rhizomucor and Rhizopus arrhizus which showed no growth pusillus on this carbon source. Apart from tryptophan, all the nitrogen sources supplied were utilized for growth and sporulation by the test fungi though to the best nitrogen source varying extents. Casein was for all the fungi. Feed infusion medium also supported growth and sporulation of all the isolates. Varying quantities of aflatoxins (B(1), B(2_ and G(2)) were produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. oryzae on modified Czapek-Dox media. None of the remaining fungal species produced afaltoxin. Peak aflatoxin B(1) production was on the 8th day of incubation by the two toxigenic fungi. Optimum pH and temperature for the production of toxins were pH 5 and 300 C respectively. Major sources of aflatoxins in poultry feeds due to mould infestation in increasing order of importance were: palm kernel, corn and groundnut cake meals. Studies on aflatoxin production on feed concentrates by A. flavus and A. oryzae showed that under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature, dried brewers grains, wheat offals, palm kernel, corn and groundnut cake meals were suitable substrates for toxin production. Other feed concentrates: fish, blood, oyster shell and bone meals were found to be unsuitable substrates for aflatoxin production. Aflatoxins were not detected in poultry droppings before and after inoculation with the toxin producing fungi. All the fungal isolates produced extracellular amylases, cellulases, proteases and lipases. The synthesis and activity of these enzymes were affected by external factors such as the pH, incubation temperature and type of carbon source in the growth medium. Optimum activity for all the enzymes produced by the isolates was in acidic media (pH 4-6) and within a temperature range of between 40°C and 50°C. On the basis of these findings recommendations were made for the control of the toxigenic and zoopathogenic fungi in poultry feeds and other stored agricultural products.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON BACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED EROM FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN [PARKIA BIGLOBOSA (JACQ.) BENTH-]
(1988-09) ADERIBIGBE, E. Y.
The physiological activities of Bacillus species that ferment African locust bean (Parkia biqlobosa (Jacq.) Benth] to produce ‘iru’ were investigated. The strains studied belong to the B. subtillis group and were designated BS1, BS2, BS3, BLl, BL2, BL4 and BP2. These seven strains showed significant differences (at α= 0.05) in growth and extracellular proteinases production. The following (descending) order was obtained for the growth of the organisms in liquid medium: BS3 > BS1 > BL4 > BL2 > BS2 > BL1 > BP2 The order of proteolytic activity (in descending Order) of the strains in nutrient broth medium containing African locust beans was: BL2 > BP2 > BS2 > BL4 > BS3 > BL1 > BS1 The best three strains (oh the basis of proteinase production) BL2, BP2 and BS2 showed further Variation in the production of other extracellular enzymes. The three strains produced amylase and polygalacturonase constitutively and varied amounts of sucrase and galactanase. Phytase activity was not detected in culture broth of strain BS2. None of the strains BS2, BL2 and BP2 produced pectinmethylesterase in nutrient broth medium with or without African locust bean. The three strains were lipolytic on tributyrate agar plates and produced trace amounts of lipase in broth medium containing African locust bean. In most cases, presence of African locust bean in culture medium enhanced production of extracellular enzymes significantly in the three strains. Agitation was found to be necessary for optimal production of extracellular proteinases by the strains BS2 and BL2. Among the carbon sources used, fructose and glucose repressed proteinase production significantly (at α = 0.05) in strain BS2 while raffinose and starch favoured proteinase production. Among the carbohydrates which favoured the production of proteinases are, inorder raffinose > starch > arabinose > galactose > sucrose. The effects of different nitrogen sources on proteinase production by strain BS2 were also investigated. Casein enchanced preduction but the effect was not significant (at α = 0.05) while other nitrogen sources repressed proteinase production significantly. The nitrogen sources repressed proteinase production in the Order: Leucine > Urea > KNO3 > NH4NO3 > Aspartic acid > Glutamic acid > Alanine. The presence of African locust bean in culture medium enhanced proteinase production in the three strains, but the effect was not significant (at α = 0.05). The crude proteinases of sttain BS2 had Optimum activity at pH 7.5. Optimum temperature for activity of the proteinases was 35°C, and the proteinases were relatively stable at 60°C, but were quickly denatured at temperatures > 70 C. The apparent Km of the crude proteinases of the strains BS2, BL2 and BP2 were approximately 39.14mg/ml, 33.29mg/ml and 44.1mg/ml respectively. Multiple proteinase bands were obtained after electrophoretic Separation of the crude enzymes in all strains. During purification, the proteinases were precipitated out between 55 - 70% of ammonium sulphate Saturation levels. There was a substantial loss in proteolytic activity during the salting out process. Three proteolytic activity peaks were obtained during ion-exchange chromatography of crude enzymes of strains BS2 and BL2. The peaks I, II and III were identified to be serine proteinase, neutral proteinase and an esterase (with low proteolytic activity) respectively. The serine proteinases of the two strains BS2 and BL2 showed hydrophobic properties. The molecular weights of the serine, neutral and esterase proteinases for strain BS2 were 29800, 24000 - 27400 and 33900 - 38400 respectively while those of strain BL2 were 18200 - 19700, 22600 and 33500 respectively. The purified neutral proteinase had higher specific activity than the serine proteinase while the esterase was characterized by low specific activity. The esterase was responsible for the multiple proteinase bands pattern observed in the electrophoresed crude enzymes. The possibility of selecting strains capable of producing wider variety and higher yields of extracellular enzymes to bring about more digestible fermented product is discussed.
Variation in fibres and vessel elements of delonix regia (caesalpiniaceae)
(1993) Ayodele, A. E.; Pereira-Sheteolu, A. O.
Variation in fibres and vessel elements of the secondary xylem of Delonix regia has been investigated by light microscopy. Tills work clearly establishes inter-positional variation in the dimensions, particularly of the fibres both axially and radially. Generally, the longest and widest fibres are recorded at the breast height of 1.39 m from the base of the plant. The widest but shortest fibres occur towards the pith while the thinnest but longest fibres are found towards the periphery. The widest and longest vessels are also found at the breast height of 1.30 m from the base of the plant. The importance of these variable characters in the taxonomy of the taxon is discussed.
Environmental impact assessment of the rainforest vegetation in Agbara industrial estate, Southwestern Nigeria
(1996) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.; Osonubi, O.
The vegetation of Agbara industrial estate, South-western Nigerian was studied with a view to determining the floristic and structural composition before the full take off of the various industries. The area is a lowland rain forest, drier - type with the major growth forms including trees, shrubs, palms and climbers. A total of 897 plants were enumerated in five transect of 2 km. Species diversity index for the area is in the range of 0.01 - 0.24 while dominance values range from 0.00 - 0.01. Tree density was estimated to be 56.1 stems per km sq. The study shows evidences of regrowth vegetation, subsistence farming activities involving arable crops of previous land use. The area is also shown to have suffered previous encroachment or early succession. No particular species is dominant. It is suggested that adequate pollution control measures need to be put in place if the biotic communities of the estate are not to be endangered. Resettlement of the inhabitants away from the vicinity of the operating industries is also proposed.
Ethnobotany, conservation and sustainable development
(1996) Ayodele, A. E.
The current attempt to concentrate on medicinal plants as sources of drug is a welcome development which must be accompanied with adequate conservation strategies through research, education and training, ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Conservation is necessary if the dignity of life is to be maintained. However, plant taxonomy as a discipline particularly the aspect of floristic taxonomy, should serve as the ‘bedrock’ of any conservation strategy. Data from such studies which are well documented in efficient and well equipped herbaria in an easily retrievable manner will facilitate better coordinated effort at mapping out strategies for bio conservation and sustainable living. The setting up of Botanical and Zoological gardens is also crucial to conservation programmes. Taxonomists, conservation experts and policy makers must work in harmony and at more organised setting to provide solutions to conservation problems.
Environmental impact assessment of the rainforest vegetation in Agbara industrial estate, South Western Nigeria
(1996) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.; Osonubi, O.
The vegetation of Agbara industrial estate, South-western Nigerian was studied with a view to determining the floristic and structural composition before the full take off of the various industries. The area is lowland rain forest, drier - type with the major growth forms including trees, shrubs, palms and climbers. A total of 897 plants were enumerated in five transect of 2 km. Species diversity index for the area is in the range of 0.01 - 0.24 while dominance values range from 0.00 - 0.01. Tree density was estimated to be 56.1 stems per km sq. The study shows evidences of regrowth vegetation subsistence farming activities involving arable crops of previous land use. The area is also shown to have suffered previous encroachment or early succession. No particular species is dominant. It is suggested that adequate pollution control measures need to he put in place if the biotic communities of the estate are not to be endangered Resettlement of the inhabitants away from the vicinity of the operating industries is also proposed.
Floristics and structure of the remnant forests of the Obafemi Awolowo University campus, Ile-Ife Nigeria and their potential for conservation
(Botanical Society of Nigeria, 1997) Chukwuka, K.; Isichei, A. O.
The floristic composition and the girth sizes of the woody plants in seventeen sample forest plots at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were studied with a view to making recommendations on the conservation of the forest. The 120 species found are those typical of drier lowland forest of southern Nigeria. Twenty-six species occurred in 8 of the 17 plots while 28 occurred in one plot each and could be regarded as rare. About 70% of the stems are less than 30 cm girth at breast height, an indication of recent disturbance. Brachystegia eurycoma dominated the ≥ 120 cm girth class and was found on hilly slopes that were suitable for farming. The benefits of conservation of the Campus forest include protection of an important watershed and teaching and research.
Epidermal morphology of the genus dialium (fabaceae: caesalpinioideae)
(1997) Sheteolu, A. O.; Ayodele, A. E.
Epidermal morphology of adaxial and abaxial leaflet surfaces of the five species in the genus Dialium (Fabaceae : Caesalpinoideae) were studied by light microscopy. The epidermises are composed of cells which are isodiametric, irregular or both types in outline. Anticlinal walls are either straight, curved or undulate. Leaflets of all taxa are hypostomatic. Paracytic stomata occur in all species except D. guineense that posses both paracytic and staurocytic stomata. Other features of the epidermis that show variation include stomatal size and density, size and density of epidermal cells, and type, size, shape, frequency and basal cells of the trichomes. An indented, dichotomous key for identifying the species is presented.
Environmental audit of the tunu/kanbo forests of the Niger Delta, Nigeria
(1997-11) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.
Environmental audit of the Tunu/Kanbo forests of the Niger Delta, Nigeria
(1997-11) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.
Comparative epidermal morphology of Nigerian species of alchornea (euphorbiaceae)
(1999) Comparative epidermal morphology of Nigerian species of alchornea (euphorbiaceae)
The leaf epidermal morphology of the three Nigerian species of Alchornea (Euphorbiaceae) has been studied using light microscopy. Epidermal cells arc irregular with undulate to sinuate anticlinal walls. The abaxial and adaxial walls of A. cor difolia and A.floribunda respectively arc characterized by the presence of knobs on them. All taxa have paracytic stomata. However, while A. cordifolia and A. laxiflora arc amphistomalic, A floribunda is hyposlomatic. Trichomcs arc simple, unicellular and unscriate in A.floribunda and A. laxiflora while stellate trichomcs with two to eight radiating arms are present in A. cordifolia. All taxa except A . laxiflora are entirely smooth on the adaxial surface. An indented dichotomous key based on the features of light microscopy is presented for die identification of die species.
Epidermal morphology of Nigerian species of synsepalum (sapotaceae)
(1999) Ayodele, A. E.
The leaf epidermal morphology of three Nigerian species of Synsepalum has been studied by light microscopy. Epidermal cells are Irregular or polygonal with straight, curved, undulate or sinuate anticlinal walls. All taxa are amphistomntic although adaxial stomata are restricted to the veins and their vicinities. Stomatal type varies in the genus. Anomocytic stomata are present on both leaf surface of S. dulcificum and S. stipulation while cyclocytic and paracytic types are recorded in S. glycydorum on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces respectively. The periclinal divisions in the abaxial guard cells of S. stipulatum is diagnostic of the species. All taxa are glabrous but numerous trichome bases are found on the abaxial surface of S. glycydorum suggesting an early loss of hairs in leaf development A dichotomous key for identifying the species is presented.
The morphology and ecology of the genus synsepalum (A.D.c.) Daniell (sapotaceae) in Nigeria
(1999) Ayodele, A. E.; Chukwuka, K. S.
The genus Synsepalum is represented by three species in Nigeria. It is confined to me lowland rainforest region of the country. Synsepalum dulcificum is called the 'miraculous' berry or the ‘magic plant’ on account of the protein based sweetening agent miraculin found in the pulp of the fruit. The plant also produces a fairly hardwood which is particularly used as firewood by the indigenous people while the twigs are used as chewsticks. S. stipulatum popularly called the "Blacksmiths' charcoal wood” is known to supply the best charcoal to the Benin blacksmiths. S. glycydorum is not of much economic importance to the people but it is restricted in its distribution to the Southeastern part of Nigeria. From the standpoint of uses and restricted distribution, there is need for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these species for sustainable utilization. The largest leaves with the longest petioles are found in S. stipulatum, while the smallest leaves with the shortest petioles are in S. dulcificum . The leaves and petioles of S. glycydorum are intermediate of the other two species. The leaves generally are elliptic to oblong to oblanceolate in shape with acuminate apices. However, the apex in S. dulcificum may be acute, rounded or rarely retuse. The leaf bases in the genus are usually cuneate. The leaves are glabrous except in S. dulcificum which may be hairy oh the abaxial surface.
Ethnobotanical studies of anti-tuberculosis plants in Egbado, Ogun State, Nigeria
(1999) Ashidi, J. S.; Gbile, Z. O.; Ayodele, A. E.
Forty-five plant species and twenty-nine recipes used to treat tuberculosis in Egbado were identified. Prominent among these preparations were Garcinio kola Meckel, (Clusiaceae), Xylopia aelhiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaccae), Musa nana Lour. (Musaceae), Anchomancs dijformis (BL.) Engl. (Araceae), Alchornea cordoifolia (Schuin. & Tlionn.) Muell. Arg. (Eupliorbiaceae), Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae), Tetrapleura tetraptera (Sebum. & Tlionn.) Taub. (Mimosaccac). Olax subscorpinidca Oliv. (Olacaceac) and Piper guineense Sebum. & Thonn. (Piperaceae) suggesting their importance in the treatment. The need to screen the plants so identified especially those that have not been chemically and biologically studied is stressed.
The morphology and ecology of the genus synsepalum (A.Dc) Daniell (sapotaceae) in Nigeria
(Ecological Society of Nigeria, 1999) Ayodele, A. E.; Chukwuka, K. S.
The genus Synsepalum is represented by three species in Nigeria. It is confined to the lowland rainforest region of the country. Synsepalum dulcificum is called the ‘miraculous’ berry or the 'magic plant' on account of the protein based sweetening agent miraculin found in the pulp of the fruit. The plant also produces a fairly hardwood which is particularly used as firewood by the indigenous people while the twigs are used as chewsticks. S. stipulatum popularly called the "Blacksmiths' charcoal wood" is known to supply the best charcoal to the Benin blacksmiths. S. glycydorum is not of much economic importance to the people but it is restricted in its distribution to the Southeastern part of Nigeria. From the standpoint of uses and restricted distribution, there is need for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these species for sustainable utilization. The largest leaves with-the longest petioles are found in S. stipulatum, while the smallest leaves with the shortest petioles are in S. dulcifcum. The leaves and petioles of S. glycydorum are intermediate of the other two species. The leaves generally are elliptic to oblong to oblanceolate in shape with acuminate apices. However, the apex in S. dulcificum may be acute, rounded or rarely refuse. The leaf bases in the genus are usually cuneate. The leaves are glabrous except in S. dulcificum which may be hairy on the abaxial surface.
Foliar epidermal characteristics and preliminary phytochemistry of Ixora coccinea Linn, and ixora parviflora vahl.
(Klobex Academic Publishers, 1999-06) Ayodele, A. E.; Gbadebo, J. O.
Two ornamental species of ixora have been investigated morphologically and phytochemicaly. The leaves are oblong with acute apices and cordate bases In I. coccinea and elliptic with acuminate apices and obtuse bases In I. parviflora. The leaves are also larger in the latter. Epidermal cells are Isodlametric on the adaxial surfaces and irregular on the abaxial surfaces with curved anticlinal walls. Epidermal cells are larger In I parviflora. Paracytic stomata are found in both taxa while I. coccinea Is amphistomatic with the stomata on the adaxial surface restricted to areas around the midvein, I parviflora Is hypostomatic. A higher stomatal Index occurs In I. coccinea Trichomes which are restricted to the abaxial surfaces of the two taxa are simple, short, unicellular, peg-like or cone-like, and sometimes curved. Trichomes are, however, longer In I. parviflora Alkaloids, saponins and tannins are present in both taxa. Free or combined anthraqulnones and cardinc glycosides were not detectable in any of the species. An artificial key is present for the Identification of the two species.
Ecological utilization of the weed - tithonia diversifolia and sustainability of the paper industry in Nigeria
(Science Association of Nigeria, 2000) Chukwuka, K. S.
Tithonia diversifolia is found growing abundantly within the forest zone of Nigeria. The evaluation of the pulp and paper making properties of T. diverisifolia showed average fibre length, width, wall thickness and lumen of 827.66 ± 186.40αµm, 20.29 ± 3.92 αµm, 3.96 ± 0.28 αµm and 12.16 ± 3.96 µm respectively. This short fibre length and small wall thickness of T. diversifolia made it unsuitable for making strong papers. However, it is good material for making newsprints, toilet tissues, serviette papers, packing cartons and egg crates. This will go a long way towards improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian given that paper is a civilised material.
Foliar epidermal characteristics of the genus plumbago linn (plumbaginaceae) in Nigeria
(2000) Ayodele, A. E.
The epidermal morphology of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of the two Plumbago species represented in Nigeria were studied using light microscopy. The epidermal cells are polygonal with straight, thin anticlinal walls. Both taxa arc amphistomatic with anisocytic stomata type on both surfaces. P. zeylanica contains larger cells and stomata. The occurrence of crystal sands and chalk glands on the surfaces of the leaves is of generic importance in the family Plumbaginaceae. Epidermal cell size and number, stomatal size, number and index are characters of taxonomic importance sufficient in separating the two taxa even in sterile specimens. A key is presented for the identification of the species.