Agrotechnology

Identification and description of some common ornamental plant species at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

5^th International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture

June 27-29, 2016 Cape Town, South Africa

Sani Y A, Babaji B A, Barnabas S, S Isah and Yahaya R A

Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

A survey was conducted in the year 2014 at the premises of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (11o11â?? N, 07o 38â??); located at an altitude of 686 m above sea level in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria with annual average rainfall of about 1060 mm. The area is characterized by distinct two seasons; the dry season, comprising of a cold dry period (harmattan) between November and December, and a hot dry period between April and June. The vital part of this work involved the collection, identification and description of some common ornamental plant species found within the premises of the Instituteâ??s environment and was presented in the form of original coloured photographs, identifying its scientific names, family names, English names and their common names. These ornamental plant species were then classified based on their characteristics, mode of propagation and usage (indoor, outdoor, lawns, potted etc). During the survey, about 70 ornamental plant species comprising a total of 24 species of indoor plants, 18 of shading plants, 25 species of hedge plants and three species of lawns were identified, described and documented accordingly. It is hoped that this work would inspire floriculturist, botanist, gardeners, students and other researchers to contribute further into this interesting and attractive field of horticultural landscaping that is usually ignored or given less attention.

Biography :

Sani Y A is an Associate Professor in Agronomy with specialization in Horticultural Production. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Agriculture, MSc and PhD degrees from the famous Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria in 1995, 2003 and 2010, respectively. He is a member of several professional bodies and has several publications in reputable national, international journals and numerous research/technical reports to his credit. He is currently a Lecturer/Researcher at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria where he is actively involved in teaching, training, research and extension services. He attended several international conferences and trainings across the globe.

Email: yusufah2@yahoo.com