Collection and evaluation of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) germplasm in Nigeria

In order to assess the genetic diversity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Nigeria, a survey was undertaken to collect the germplasm of the crop. The survey cut across 56 towns and 20 villages in 17 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sixty three (63) farmers were interviewed and 60 accessions of Roselle were collected from them. Results showed that 41.7% of these accessions were having green calyx, while 31.7% were with red calyx. On the other hand, 20.0% of the accessions possessed deep red calyx while only 6.7% have light red and pink calyx. Collections from the North Central, North Eastern, North Western and South Western parts were replicated over states, towns and villages. The highest number of Roselle accessions was collected from Kaduna State (8 accessions) followed by Niger State (6 accessions); Jigawa State (6 accessions) while FCT and Bauchi State have 4 accessions each. This is an indication that these areas have the greatest diversity of the crop genetic resources in Nigeria and the states might be secondary centre of origin of the crop. However, morphological as well as molecular characterizations are required to arrange the Roselle accessions collected into a suitable group; this will eventually provide the raw materials needed for the Roselle improvement programme in Nigeria.   Key words: Genetic diversity, germplasm, Roselle accessions, improvement programme.