Browsing by Author "SAGAYA Abdulquadri"

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    Evaluation of Leaf Morpho-Anatomical and Fibre Quality and Characterisation of Luffa Cylindrica (L.) M. Roem. And Luffa Acutangula (L.) Roxb.
    (Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership (CISP), University of Ilorin, Nigeria, 2026-07) SAGAYA Abdulquadri; LATEEF Adebola Azeez; TIAMIYU Bashir Bolaji; ABDULRAHAMAN, Abdullahi Alanamu
    Luffa, a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family, shows morphological variation influenced by environmental factors. However, scientific data on the thermal and mechanical properties of Luffa fibres remain limited. This study investigated the leaf morpho-anatomical characteristics and fibre quality of Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula, using mature fruits collected from eight local government areas in Kwara State, Nigeria. Seeds were cultivated in a randomised complete block design. Morphological analysis revealed greater variability in L. cylindrica for stem girth, leaf size, and qualitative traits. Anatomically, both species were amphistomatic, with L. cylindrica bearing trichomes on both surfaces, unlike L. acutangula. Mechanical testing showed that L. cylindrica had superior tensile strength, modulus, flexural strength, and hardness, whereas L. acutangula exhibited higher impact energy and elongation. These findings suggested L. cylindrica is better suited for industrial fiber applications, supporting the need for its cultivation and promotion for commercial use.