ABSTRACT

Nigeria has favorable agricultural conditions with respect to land and climate. These conditions support the growth and production of a wide range of tropical and sub-tropical crops (Iwe, 2003).These plant species come in different families such as: Leguminoceae, Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae and several others. Soyabean (G/ydne n7a4, Cowpea ( Vijqna unguicu/ata), Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L), Bambara groundnut ( Voandze/a subterranean) etc. are the most popular and highly exploited and utilized members of the /eguminoceae family. Adenanthera pavonina is one of the most unpopular and under-utilized member of the family. African breadfruit ( Trecu/fa Africana) is the most popular, exploited and utilized member of the moraceae family. Artocarpus heterophy//us (Jackfruit) and ,4rtocarpus Camansis (Breadnut) are the most unpopular and under-utilized members of the family. Tetracapidium conophorum (Walnut) is the most popular member of the Euphorbiaceae family while pumpkin and melon seeds are the most popular members of the cucumbitaceae family. These plant species bear fruits, seeds and nuts which have been shown to be composed of the necessary nutrients required by man and animals, and in appreciable quantities, and thus, have the potentials to serve as food for humans supplying part/some of the necessary nutrients required for growth and maintenance of good health. These and several other tropical seeds form a major part of the diet of many Nigerians.