A review on the seed production and handling of indigenous vegetables (Spiderplant, jute mallow and African nightshade complex)

Abstract

Although researchers, agriculturalists and policy makers, have largely neglected them African leafy vegetables have over the years featured prominently in diets of many communities especially in resource poor areas. They are mainly used in the preparation of relishes that supplement and add flavour to diets, which are usually based on starchy staples. These vegetables fall in many species and are widely distributed. Among the important ones are Spiderplant (Cleome gynandra L.), Jute mallow (Corchorus spp.) and African nightshade (Solanum nigrum L. Complex). Since these vegetables gained the attention of researchers only recently, there are still wide knowledge gaps in the various aspects of production. One important area where knowledge is required is that of seed production, handling and storage. Information on the current methods of seed production, harvesting, drying, processing and storage is important in identifying bottlenecks that hamper productivity and subsequent commercialization of these vegetables. For commercialization, more uniform crops are desirable and methods of breaking seed dormancy, which is common in these crops, should be studied. A review of seed production and handling of three indigenous vegetables spiderplant, jute mallow and African nightshade complex is presented.