Assessment of Relationships Between Genotypic Variation and Growth and Yield of Spider Plant in Kenya

Abstract

Spider plant ( Cleome gynandra L. ) is an important African leafy vegetable (ALV) that has been used by local African communities as a source of nutrition in their diets for many years. The plant has recently attracted an increasing demand for its highly nutritive and health promoting bioactive compounds important in combating malnutrition and reducing human degenerative diseases. Despite the great value of spider plant, its supply and cultivation remain low, a factor attributed to unavailability of superior genotypes. This study carried out at Ruiru sub county, Kiambu county of Kenya sought to establish the influence of genotypic variation on growth and yield of spider plant. Experimental plots were set up in the field in Ruiru and greenhouse in Juja. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the significance of variables. Results indicated that genotypes MLSF17, UGSF14, P6, UGSF9 and UGSF36 yielded outstanding agronomic performance. However, there was no significant difference among growth parameters of genotypes in greenhouse compared to the field experiments. Keywords: African leafy vegetable, Cleome gynandra, genotypes DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-10-10 Publication date :May 31 st 2019