Abstract

Ogunbiyi Ibrahim, Kabiru Ibrahim and Inuwa Umaru

Heritability and expected genetic advance for seedling growths traits in relation to early tapping maturity were studied in six provenance populations of Acacia senegal using a 6 × 6 diallel crossing procedure according to Griffing’s model 1, method 2. The 15 F1’s and the six parents, namely Karasuwa, Baimeseri, Shagari, Gajiram, Yenegere and Maino were evaluated in two locations, Gashua in Yobe state and Yola in Adamawa state Nigeria. In 2009 dry season, the 21 entries were sown in poly bags and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Seedling growths traits were measured and subjected to diallel analysis and heritabilities in narrow and broad senses as well as genetic advance were estimated by means of variance components for seedling growth traits and possible use for selection in relation to early tapping maturity. Low heritability with moderate genetic advance observed in seedlings height, stem length and canopy spread indicated environmental control on the expression of the traits. Number of primary branches revealed moderate broad and low narrow sense heritabilities which in turn produce low expected genetic advance. Bark thickness and stem diameter expressed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance which indicated that the traits were mainly controlled by additive type of genes and that direct selection for these traits could be effective. The results indicated that bark thickness and stem diameter were heritable and expected genetic advances indicated that improvement in population means can be obtained in crosses for all traits.