Comparative Studies on the Pedological Characteristics, Morphological Traits and Productivity Indices of Three Species of the Genus Ipomoea in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Comparative studies on the pedological characteristics, morphological traits and productivity indices of three species of the genus Ipomoea was done in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Morphological parameters (leaf length, leaf width and leaf area index) and productivity indices (chlorophyll a, b carotenoids and Chlorophyll Concentration Index (CCI)) of these species were determined using standard methods. The results showed that amongst the three species studied Ipomoea mauritiana had the highest values in leaf length (21.60±1.34 cm) leaf width (19.57±1.92 cm) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) (191.5±19.94 cm2) while I. muricata had the least values in terms of leaf length (7.5±0.31 cm) leaf width (7.00±0.42 cm) and LAI (24.08±3.00 cm2). Considering the productivity indices, the results further reflected a similar trend with Ipomoea mauritiana having the highest concentration of chlorophyll a (1.34±0.035), chlorophyll b (0.97±0.025), carotenoids (0.75±0.019) and CCI (53.84±1.38) while Ipomoea muricata had the least values for chlorophyll a (0.93±0.058), chlorophyll b (0.67±0.042), carotenoids (0.52±0.033) and CCI (37.30±2.34). Ipomoea batatas had intermediate values for all morphological and productivity parameters. Using leaf area index as surrogate for morphological traits, linear regression technique was employed to establish relationships with productivity indices of Ipomoea species studied. Positive relationships were established between the productivity indices and the morphological characters and this underscored the influences of chlorophyll pigments on the growth morphology of the leaves. The results obtained in this study provide a baseline information on the habitat (soil) and environmental preferences of these species as well as their evolutionary variations and can be useful in delineating the modern trends in habitat ecology and plant physiology.