Activities

1.         The study on germplasm variation and distribution of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn.) Taub. in selected locations in South-western Nigeria commenced in 2014. This pollination ecology research assessed the flowering and fruiting patterns of selected stands of this important multipurpose tree species. The insect visitors to the fruits and flowers were assessed and have been documented. The floral and fruit development were monitored while the floral structure was determined in the laboratory.  The study has developed protocols for vegetative propagation of the species. Also, the nursery requirements of the species have been evaluated. The data collected have been analysed and the final report is almost completed. The project is expected to end by June 2019.

2.         The study aimed at identifying the phytoremediation potentials of Eucalyptus camadulensis seedlings growing in spent engine oil contaminated soil started in 2018. The study will determine the tolerance level and survival rates of the exotic tree species in the contaminated substrate, while assessing the phyto-extraction mechanism employed by the species. It will determine the heavy metal accumulation in the above and belowground parts of the plant. The study will contribute to the limited information on potential tree species suitable for soil remediation programmes. The project will be completed by January 2020.

3.         The research focused on assessment of the local race variation and molecular characterisation of Moringa oleifera Lam. in plantations of South west Nigeria, commenced in 2014. The study determined the population density of Moringa in plantations and the morphological variation within and among populations. It assessed the seed quality and quantity of samples from the different sources. Molecular characterizations of the different populations were done using Simple Sequence Repeat method. The data collection and analysis have been completed and final collation of the report is ongoing. The study is expected to be completed by September 2019.

4.         The study on tree species composition, gap dynamics and forest cover changes of selected forest reserves in South western, Nigeria commenced in 2016. The study has determined the tree species diversity in selected forest reserves located in the savanna and rainforest zones. The sampling techniques have combined forest inventory and remote sensing techniques for actualization of the objectives. Landsat images of the reserves over three decades will be used to estimate the forest gaps created through degradation, while forest cover change over the time period will be estimated using geographical information science methods. The project will be completed by June 2020.