Genetic Diversity and Stress Tolerance in Nigerian Horticultural Crops
Multifactorial Influences and Breeding Implication
Main Article Content
Abstract
Horticultural crops matter more than they’re often given credit for, especially in Nigeria, where they help feed families, support incomes, and offer some cushion against climate uncertainty. This review critically examines the genetic diversity of horticultural crops in Nigeria, emphasizing their role in nutrition, economic stability, and climate resilience. The objective is to synthesize current knowledge on genetic variation within staple vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens) and fruits (e.g., mangoes, citrus) and how this diversity contributes to crop tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted, focusing on both phenotypic and molecular genetic studies in Nigerian horticultural species. Key findings reveal significant genetic variation that supports adaptation to drought, diseases, and poor soils, though this diversity is threatened by unregulated hybridization and scarce breeding investments. Stress response mechanisms are observed at multiple scales, from field-level symptoms reported by farmers to molecular changes such as gene expression modification and antioxidant activity. The review also evaluates modern breeding technologies, including gene editing and AI-driven predictive breeding, highlighting their potential when tailored to Nigeria’s smallholder farming conditions and diverse agroecological zones. However, challenges persist due to limited infrastructure, fragmented data, and underfunded breeding programs. The conclusion advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge of resilient landraces with advanced genomics and establishing decentralized seed systems to safeguard crop diversity and enhance food security. Urgent coordinated research and investment are recommended to conserve vital genetic resources and ensure sustainable horticultural production under climate uncertainty in Nigeria.
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