The 113th Inaugural lecturer of the University of Calabar, Prof. Edak Aniedi Uyoh has said that some neglected and underutilized plant species have been completely lost while others are at risk of extinction.

Prof. Edak stated this at the institution's International Conference Centre while delivering the institution's 113th inaugural lecture on the topic: ''Rediscovering Our Hidden Treasures, the Plant Breeders' Quandary''.

According to her, 47, 677 plant species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN) in 2010 were placed in different categories of extinction threat with 8 % close to being threatened, 10 % endangered and 7 % critically endangered.

 

She said that although thousands of plant species are available for food, fibre, shelter, industrial, cultural and medical purposes, only a relatively little percentage of these plants are put to good use.

Edak, a Professor of Genetics and Plant breeding said agricultural production in Nigeria focuses on a few staple crops like Cassava, Yam, rice, Maize, Millet and Sorghum, leaving a good number of our indigenous species of food crops neglected and underutilized.

The Inaugural lecturer said dependence on a few crops has negative consequences for ecosystems, food diversity, food and nutritional security as well as health, adding that, it is risky to humanity as crops may fail, global warming may cause devastating droughts or floods, resulting to loss of crops, as recently witnessed in Nigeria.

Hear her, '' Loss of Biodiversity has been of global concern since man discovered its implications in the course of food security and economic growth. Some neglected and underutilized species have been lost completely while others are on the verge of extinction mostly because they are ignored and nobody takes responsibility for their well-being''.

The Don said increased cultivation and utilization of such under-utilized species offer a sustainable remedy to malnutrition and improved health, maintaining that, the plant breeder has the onerous task of rediscovering and rescuing these 'hidden treasures' as well as ensuring their sustainability for future generations before they become extinct.

                        

Prof. Edak said the huge economic importance of some plants and the increasing demand for their products due to the population explosion has led to intense exploitation pressure, resulting in their stocks diminishing at an alarming rate.

She said natural and man-made catastrophes enhanced by climate change have increased the rate of erosion of our planet's Genetic Resources.

This came as he urged Nigerians to reduce their cravings for the intake of junk foods and rediscover the hidden treasures in a plant.

The Inaugural lecturer said all hands must be on deck to assist breeders, Biotechnologists and Conservationists in remedying this ugly trend for the sake of our generations yet unborn, stressing that increased participation of researchers, educators, policymakers, farming communities, consumers and the private sector is also key.

She said the government including the University authority should encourage the establishment of standard 'ex-situ and in-situ' conservation Genbanks of available germplasm by earmarking land, buildings and funds for this noble cause.

Prof. Edak also called for a steady power supply to allow cryopreservation, particularly of endangered plant genetic resources to prevent further genetic erosion.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, in her remarks, described the topic of the lecture as 'apt' and applauded the inaugural lecturer for her immense contribution to knowledge, adding that, her giant strides in the area of research and mentorship speak volumes.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Eno Grace Nta, the varsity administrator also commended the inaugural lecturer for attracting several research grants to the institution, saying this feat would not be forgotten in a hurry.

She also described her as a good teacher and mentor who has made the institution proud in many ways.

The well-attended lecture also featured the presentation of a memento to the inaugural lecturer by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.