Investigation on the Mechanism of Erosion Control of Ipomoea carneaJacq. (Kafi Kancila / Kashe- Kwari) in Gombe State, Nigeria

Studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism of erosion control of Ipomoea carnea within Gombe State, Nigeria with the aim of investigating what features enabled the plant to successfully control erosion. Six sites were randomly selected within the metropolis taking consideration of presence of gullies and presence of the plant. Macro-morphological parameters of growth were then taken for each site. The morphology of the roots and stems of the plant were also observed and studied. Data on macro-morphological measurements obtained were subjected to Analysis of variance. The result shows that Site 6 (GRA) had the highest growth parameters while Site 1 (GSU) recorded the lowest. The result of the root and stem morphology revealed that the plant produces horizontal branches which rapidly root along the downward side in contact with the ground, and give rise to many erect side branches. At the tip of the horizontal branch a secondary shrub (ramet) develops. The laid-down branch becomes a functional stolon, which persists and keeps mother and daughter plant connected. Individual plants thus easily expand in each direction with in-line offspring, covering several square meters. Decumbent branches also root in the soil before growing upwards establishing new plants separately from the main plant. It was therefore concluded that this mechanism of extension which contributes mostly to vegetative regeneration of the plant can be used for rapid propagation of the plant in the gullies hence it is a recommended plant for erosion control in Gombe State, Nigeria.