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Morphological and nutritional studies were carried out on various parts of the two varieties of Ipomoea batatas (white fleshed TIS 87/0087 and orange fleshed UMUSPO/3) to determine their morphological and nutritional characteristics using standard techniques. Analysis of variance was employed for data analysis. Result revealed that the two varieties had similar qualitative morphological features but showed variation in their length, breadth, colour and girth. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that the nutrients were present in all the parts of the two varieties investigated but in varied proportions. Protein, fat and ash were highest in the leaves of both varieties when compared to other parts (12.13±0.20mg/100g, 3.92±0.14mg/100g and 2.85±0.06mg/100g of I. batatas respectively. Moisture and carbohydrate were highest in the tubers of both varieties when compared to other parts (10.73±0.22mg/100g and 81.22±3.80mg/100g) respectively while crude fiber was highest in the stem of the two varieties when compared to other parts (26.15±0.29mg/100g). Data obtained indicated that these parts of the two varieties contained appreciable amount of nutrients which could be included in diets to supplement our daily nutrient needs and animal feed. Apart from the tuber eaten by our people, other parts of the plant should also be used as food. Overall data could be a viable tool for sweet potato breeding as an improvement in sweet potato production. Morphological characteristics observed were similar indicating that the two varieties are phyllogenetically related. The data could also be used to enhance proper taxonomic characterization and identification of the species I. batatas.

Morphological, mineral and vitamin compositions of leaves and seeds of two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. were evaluated using standard techniques and compared. Analysis of variance was employed in data analyses. Morphological study showed no significant difference in their habit, structure and phyllotaxy but varied mostly in sizes and colour. The red variety had a greater leaf area (94.25±0.310cm 2) and petiole length (6.50±0.620cm) than the green variety, whose leaf area and petiole length are 53.95±0.400cm 2 and 3.60±0.332cm respectively. The minerals and vitamins were found to be present in all the parts of the two varieties investigated but in varying levels. Higher composition of the minerals and vitamins were found in the leaves than the seed. However, the nutrients were higher in the red variety. The results of the study revealed that these parts of the two varieties investigated are nutritious and can contribute significantly to the human health requirements thus could be extracted for the manufacture of food and drugs supplements. Overall data could be used as a viable tool in Roselle breeding for improvement in Roselle production and also to enhance proper taxonomic characterization and identification of the plant species which have immense economic potentials as ornamental plants.

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